Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The Council
President Vice President Nesar Ahmad S. N. Ananthasubramanian Anil Murarka Ardhendu Sen Arun Balakrishnan Ashok Kumar Pareek Atul Hasmukhrai Mehta Atul Mittal B. Narasimhan Gopalakrishna Hegde Harish Kumar Vaid P. Sesh Kumar Pradeep Kumar Mittal Renuka Kumar (Ms.) Sanjay Grover Sridharan R Sudhir Babu C U D Choubey (Dr.) Umesh Harjivandas Ved Vikas Yashwant Khare
(in alphabetical order)
ISSN 0972-1983
CHARTERED SECRETARY
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Vol. : XLII
No. 11
Pp 1353-1488
November - 2012
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Legal
World Institute
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1450 ARTICLES
( A 435-478 )
1488 Our
Company Secretary - A Key Managerial Person Managing Organisational Change: Some Critical Questions Attitudinal Shift in the Functioning of Corporates as well as Corporate Professionals Corporate and Professional Ethics... Beyond Compliance Corporate Governance - Need for a Change in the Mindset Attitudinal Shift in the Functioning of Corporates and Company Secretaries
N. K. Jain
Attitudinal Shift in the functioning of Corporates - Focus on Some Important Areas Attitudinal Shift in the functioning of Corporates and Company Secretaries An Analytical Review with Future Perspective
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36th Annual Conference / Awards Night of The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) on Investing and Sustaining Businesses in Nigeria: Issues of Governance - Sitting among others Nesar Ahmad ( President, The ICSI, 2nd from Left), Essien-Akpan Ifeyinwa (Treasurer, ICSAN, 3rd from Left), Tunde Busari ( President and Chairman, ICSAN, extreme Right) and Suresh K Makhijani ( Dty. High Commissioner of India in Abuja, Nigeria, 2nd from Right). Meeting with Indian High Commissioner in Abuja Mahesh Sachdev (High Commissioner of India in Abuja, Nigeria) presenting a memento to Nesar Ahmad. Also seen in the picture R Sridharan (Central Council Member, The ICSI). Meeting with the Officials of CISI, London, U.K. Standing from left: Helena Green ( International Manager, CISI), Mahesh Shah (Past President, The ICSI), Nesar Ahmad, Kevin Moore ( Director, Global Business Development, CISI) and Gopalakrishna Hegde (Central Council Member, The ICSI). IOD, India - London Global Convention 2012 on Corporate Governance Perspectives & Sustainability Challenges - Sitting from Left: Rakesh Singh (President, The Institute of Cost Accountants of India), Nesar Ahmad, Lt. Gen. J.S. Ahluwalia PVSM (Retd.) (President, Institute of Directors), Rt. Baroness Verma (Hon'ble Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Govt. of UK) and Ola Ullsten (Former Prime Minister of Sweden). Meeting of ICSI delegation with Director, Global Business Development, CISI, London - Standing from Left: Sonia Baijal, Dr. S. K. Dixit, N. K. Jain (Secretary and CEO, The ICSI), Nesar Ahmad, Ganesh Iyer {(Country Head (India), CISI}, Kevin Moore ( Director, Global Business Development, CISI) and Sutanu Sinha (Chief Executive - Designate, The ICSI). Meeting of ICSI representatives with President, New York University - Standing from Left: Gopalakrishna Hegde, John Sexton (President, New York University) and S.N. Ananthasubramanian (Central Council Member, The ICSI). EIRC - 9th Regional Conference of Practising Company Secretaries - Ranjeet Kanodia lighting the lamp. Others standing from left: Arun Khandelia, Deepak Khaitan, Amlesh Bandopadhyay (Member (Technical)CLB, Kolkata) and Dr. Navrang Saini (RD(Eastern Region), MCA, Govt. of India). Two Days Annual Regional Conference of ICSI- WIRC Ritesh Gupta addressing. Others sitting from Left - Ashish Karodia, Ashish Garg, Mahavir Lunawat, N.K. Jain, Nesar Ahmad, Ashish Kumar Chauhan, S. N. Ananthasubramanian, N. Ravichandran and Ragini Chokshi. Nesar Ahmad cutting the ribbon to mark the Inauguration of renovated premises of Bhopal Chapter. NIRC - Seminar on Corporate Governance - A Long Term Consciousness Perspective & Revised Schedule VI and XBRL - Inauguration - Standing from Left: N.K. Jain, O. P. Dani, T.N. Chaturvedi (Former Governor, Karnatka & Kerala), Ranjeet Pandey, Rajiv Bajaj, Dr. M Veerappa Moily (then Hon'ble Union Minister for Corporate Affairs & Power), Dr. K Rahman Khan (Former Dy. Chairman, Rajya Sabha), Harish K Vaid, Pradeep Narang (Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society & SAFIM), Dr. Ashok Haldia, Nesar Ahmad and Dr. G.B Rao. WIRC, Bhopal and Indore Chapters of the ICSI - First M.P. State Annual Conference at Bhopal on Business, Governance and Madhya Pradesh - Sitting on the dais from Left: Ashish Karodia, Ritesh Gupta, Ashish Garg, Hitesh Buch, A.K. Jain, Nesar Ahmad, Sartaj Singh (Hon'ble Minister of Forest, Govt. of M.P.), Mahavir Lunawat, Amit Jain, Ragini Chokshi, Dhanraj Singh Thakur and P.K. Rai.
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40th National Convention of Company SecretariesVision 2020: Transform, Conform and Perform Inaugural Session - Sitting on the dais from Left: N.K. Jain, B. Narasimhan, S.N. Ananthasubramanian, Chief Guest Dr. M.V. Tanksale (CMD, Central Bank of India), Nesar Ahmad, Atul H Mehta and Mahavir Lunawat.
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Address by the Chief Guest and the speakers : Nesar Ahmad, Chief Guest Dr. M.V. Tanksale, S.N. Ananthasubramanian, B. Narasimhan, Atul H Mehta, Mahavir Lunawat, N K Jain, Sutanu Sinha.
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Release of ICSI Publication titled Guidance Note on Passing of Resolutions by Postal Ballot - IInd Edn.
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Release of ICSI Publication titled Referencer on XBRL (As per Revised Schedule - VI).
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Release of ICSI Publication titled Handbook on Mergers, Amalgamations and Takeovers- Law and Practice.
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Release of ICSI - WIRC publication titled A Compendium on Sections 295, 297, 299, 300, 301, 314 of the Companies Act, 1956 and Related Party Disclosures.
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Best Regional Council Award 2011 - NIRC representatives receiving the Best Regional Council Award from the Chief Guest.
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National Best Chapter Award 2011 - Hyderabad Chapter representatives receiving the National Best Chapter Award from the Chief Guest. Grade A Best Chapter Award for 2011 - Pune Chapter representatives receiving the award from the Chief Guest. Grade B Best Chapter Award for 2011 - Bhubaneswar Chapter representatives receiving the award from the Chief Guest.
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Grade C Best Chapter Award for 2011 - Mysore Chapter representatives receiving the award from the Chief Guest.
Grade D Best Chapter Award for 2011 - Modinagar Chapter representatives receiving the award from the Chief Guest.
First Technical Session on Economic Volatility and Risk Management - Sitting from Left: Umesh H. Ved, Dr. P. Nanda Gopal ((MD & CEO, India First Life Insurance, Mumbai), Dr. Shubhda Rao (Chief Economist, Yes Bank Ltd., Mumbai), P.R. Ramesh (Chairman, Deloitte India), Dr.N. Ravichandran (Director IIMIndore) and Atul Mehta.
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Address by the speakers: Umesh H. Ved, P.R. Ramesh, Dr.N. Ravichandran, Dr.P. Nanda Gopal and Dr. Shubhda Rao.
Second Technical Session - Panel Discussion - CS Whistle Blower or Conscience Keeper - Sitting from Left: B.B. Chatterjee (Executive VP and Co. Secretary, ITC Ltd., Kolkata), S. Balasubramanian (Former Chairman, CLB), S.V. Subramanian (Chairman, SSB, Consultant, L&T Ltd., Mumbai) and C. Sudhir Babu.
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Address by Gopalakrishna Hegde, S. Balasubramanian, S.V. Subramanian, B.B. Chatterjee and C. Sudhir Babu.
Third Technical Session on Financial Markets - Engine for Economic Growth - Sitting from Left: Harish K. Vaid, R. Bhaskaran (CEO, Indian Institute of Banking & Finance), J. Sridhar ( Past president, The ICSI and Vice president and Co. Secretary, Bajaj Auto Ltd.), N. Sivaraman (President and WTD, L&T Finance Holdings Ltd., Mumbai), Dr. V.R. Narasimhan (ED, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Mumbai) and R. Sridharan.
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Fourth Technical Session - Panel Discussion on Challenges and Opportunities in SME Sector - Sitting from Left: Rajesh Dubey ( Ex-CEO, SME Rating, SME Business Outsourcing & Training Solutions LLP, Mumbai), Gopalkrishna Iyer (Head, Listing Compliance and Investor Services, BSE), Arun Balakrishnan (Former Chairman and MD, Hindustan Petroleum Corpn. Ltd.), N.K. Maini (Dy.MD, SIDBI), S.K. Aggrawal (Director, Vimal Organics Ltd., Ghaziabad) and Vikas Y. Khare.
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Address by: P.K. Mittal, Gopalkrishna Iyer, N.K. Maini, Rajesh Dubey, S.K. Aggrawal and Vikas Y. Khare.
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Special Session: International Perspective - Sitting from Left: Chua Sien Chuan (Dy. President, The Malaysian Association of the ICSA, Malaysia), Nesar Ahmad, Tunde Busari (President, The ICSA, Nigeria) and Mohammad Shahid Farooqui (Sr.VP, Institute of Chartered Secretaries of Bangladesh, Bangladesh).
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Address by Tunde Busari, Mohammad Shahid Farooqui and Chua Sien Chuan.
Group Photo of Foreign Delegates with the President and the Secretary & CEO, the ICSI.
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Interactive Session- Sitting from Left: Atul H. Mehta, Gopalakrishna Hegde, B. Narasimhan, Harish K. Vaid, N.K. Jain, Nesar Ahmad, S.N. Ananthasubramanian, Pradeep K. Mittal, R. Sridharan, Sudhir Babu C. and Vikas Y. Khare.
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Valedictory Session - Sitting from Left: N.K. Jain, B. Narasimhan, Saji Cherian (Head - Listing, Compliance and Corporate Services, MCX Stock Exchange), Nesar Ahmad, Dr. Anand Deshpande (Founder, Chairman and MD, Persistent Systems Ltd.), S.N. Ananthasubramanian, Atul H. Mehta and Mahavir Lunawat.
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Signing of MOU between ICSI and Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies, Symbiosis International University .
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Team, ICSI with Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour of the Valedictory Session.
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At a Glance
Articles (A 435 - 478)
Company Secretary - A Key Managerial Person
R. Krishnan
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also hitting the headlines, raising apprehensions on the efficacy of the governance and transparency systems prevailing in the country. In a globalised economy, both the corporate sector and professionals need to do much more to restore the confidence of investors and regulators. In this context, the article attempts to trace the role of Company Secretaries and the corporate sector, the challenges thrown up in the new Companies Bill and how an attitudinal shift in their working and mindset may help in restoring confidence.
he profession of Company Secretary has climbed the top of the professional ladder in these last 55 years, a situation never contemplated by the Founding fathers. Far from being dubbed as a subordinate officer, he is now being elevated as a key managerial personnel along with managing director and chief executive officer superseding his recognized role as a Principal Officer, thanks to the proposal contained in the Companies Bill, 2011 which is before the Parliament. The Bill also provides for mandatory secretarial audit for listed companies and at last confers the belated recognition to the Company Secretaries in the corporate world.
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n the future, companies have to cope up with two types of changes: first is the change within the organisation and the other is the change in the external environment. This article examines the problem of coping with changes within the organisation, based on some important questions raised by the well-known strategy consultant and business writer, Roward Gibson, in a book edited by him. This article explores these questions in the light of emerging perspectives and an integral approach to management.
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ince the Enron episode in the USA over a decade back, the corporate world all over has witnessed a great change. So far as India is concerned, it experienced the moment of truth when Satyam Chairman made the explosive admission on 7th January 2009 about the massive fraud perpetrated by him. While the corporate world has moved on since that episode, there are lessons to be learnt. There is a need for a change in the mindset of all the players and more particularly professionals like Company Secretaries. Corporates have to be prepared for greater transparency, increased accountability, added responsibility and professionalization of Management. In other words, Corporates have to go beyond the promoters and think of the interest of all the stakeholders.
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hat is the attitude of a corporate and the corporate professionals? Is it defined by the people at the top or depends on the individual employee? In today's fast changing world, where one finds different perceptions about the values, morality and ethics, can anyone rely on the past history and take future for granted? Will what worked yesterday, work today and again tomorrow? Do we need change everywhere every time? Do we need to change ourselves or change the world around us? How far will the fast decreasing ethics and morals take me in life? What will make me a successful professional and in turn, bring success to my organization? Is there a real need for attitudinal shift? Can there be such attitudinal shift?The article tries to find answers to these and like questions.
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n the times to come, management and Board of directors of the companies will be increasingly accountable to all the stakeholders. This will demand a paradigm shift in the functioning of the companies and this also will bring about a change in the way company secretaries function. The changes one foresees are in the way directors, particularly the independent ones, function, the impact of merger and acquisition, the critical evaluation of corporate social responsibility initiatives, the need for financial literacy right across the organisation and addressing the issue of sustainable growth. Family businesses will undergo a sea change in their management and this will be imposed by survival and growth imperatives. Trend towards this is already visible. Company secretaries will be called upon to play a much bigger role in the changed set-up - a role that will go much beyond the compliance function. It is up to them to grab this opportunity by widening their skill sets.
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f late, there have been a disturbing number of cases of corporate misgovernance. In some cases, corporate professionals are CHARTERED SECRETARY
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orporate scandals, global competition, Asian financial crisis and various domestic and international efforts have made corporate governance increasingly popular. Also, public awareness of the threat
At a Glance
of climate change has risen sharply in the last couple of years and an increasing number of businesses, organizations and individuals are looking to minimize their impact on the climate. All these issues have led to an attitudinal shift in the functioning of corporates.In this backdrop this article focuses on some key areas like Corporate Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability Reporting and Carbon Credits.
Attitudinal Shift in the functioning of Corporates and Company Secretaries An Analytical Review with Future Perspective
Pramod S. Shah
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he responsibility of bringing about an attitudinal change in the functioning of the corporate world cannot be the prerogative of just one entity; it is the collective efforts of all concerned to take the initiative and follow the doctrines of Corporate Governance. The major issue that arises in the present times relates to the principles which determine corporate successes and failures that is why some organizations prosper and grow while others collapse. Corporate failures are common in competitive business environment where market discipline ensures the survival of fittest. Moreover, mismanagement also leads to corporate failure. Predicting corporate failure is based on the premise that there are identifiable patterns or symptoms consistent for all failed firms.
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LW.98.11.2012 When a director voluntarily makes available his personal properties for attachment against the debts of the company the same can be attached.[Del] LW.99.11.2012 Security Appellate Tribunal holds directors guilty for indulging in insider trading. LW.100.11.2012 When a stock broker allows a third person to trade on behalf of its client without written authorisation, it is violation of stock brokers code of conduct and is liable to be penalised.[SAT] LW.101.11.2012 In a partition suit once shares are determined and there is an order that properties have to be sold, in law, a final decree has to be passed inasmuch as, government revenue in the form of stamp duty has to be deposited.[Del] LW.102.11.2012 Supreme Court extends its guidelines prescribed in Vishaka case with respect to protection of women from sexual harassment in workplace to statutory professional authorities such as Bar Council, Medical Council, ICSI etc. LW.103.11.2012 Assessee being a GTA service provider and manufacturer,utilisation of CENVAT credit of the service tax/excise duty paid on input services/inputs, for payment of service tax on GTA services was in order. [CESTAT] LW.104.11.2012 Any proposal for imposition/increase of duty by way of an amendment will not have immediate effect in absence of declaration under the provisions of the PCTA.[CESTAT] LW.105.11.2012 Payment made paid by the Indian company to its Australian subsidiary, for executing its work in Australia with respect to its Australian clients, is fees for technical services, the question of the existence of a Permanent Establishment does not arise. [AAR] LW.106.11.2012 Complaint against the bank for passing forged cheques involves complicated questions and cannot be decided in a summary manner under the Consumer Protection Act.[NC]
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Amendment in NACAS Constitution Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language) Amendment Rules, 2012 Amendment of the Companies (Central Governments) General Rules and Forms (6th Amendments Rules, 2012) for Forms 23AC and 23ACA Amendment to SRO 355 dated 17-1-1957 w.r.t. Govt. Companies under section 166 (2) Companies (Issue of Indian Depository Receipts) Amendment Rules, 2012. Filing of Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account in Extensible Business Reponing Language (XBRL) Mode for the financial year commencing on or after 1.4.2011 Quality of XBRL filing certified by Professional members Constitution of a Committee for Reforming the Regulatory Environment for doing Business in India. Filing of Form 23B by statutory auditor for the accounting year 2012- 13 Filling of Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account by companies in Non-XBRL for the accounting year commencing on or after 01.04.2011. Limited Liability Partnership (Second Amendment) Rules, 2012 Amendment in the Notification G.S.R. 715(E) dated the 23.9. 2011. General Order - SEBI (Framework For Rejection of Draft Offer Documents) Order, 2012 Public issues in electronic form and use of nationwide broker network of Stock Exchanges for submitting application forms Review of Margining with respect to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities)(Amendment) Regulations, 2012. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2012 Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2012. Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012 Application Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) Companies (Amendment) Regulations, 2012 - Amendment in Regulation 2 Setting up of step down (operating) subsidiaries by NBFCs having foreign investment above 75% and below 100% and with a minimum capitalisation of US$ 50 million - amendment of paragraph 6.2.24.2 (1) (iv) of 'Circular 1 of 2012 Consolidated FDI Policy
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Members Admitted/ Restored Certificate of Practice Issued/Cancelled News From the Regions Company Secretaries Benevolent Fund Our Members Appointment Advertisements Prize Query and Replies
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C G & C S R : W A T C H
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Remember
16 November - International Day for Tolerance 20 November - Universal Children's Day 25 November - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
Moments of Thought
"The concept of corporate governance is at a threshold in our nation where norms require a constant state of refinement to build a balance between voluntary and mandatory approaches."
Union Corporate Affairs Minister Dr. M Veerappa Moily
( Speech at the Launch of Legal Compliance Manual for companies for increasing compliances)
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Asian Corporate Governance Association ---12th Annual Conference, the "Asian Business Dialogue on Corporate Governance 2012"
Venue: St. Regis Bangkok in Thailand
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From the
President
Sachin Pilot on assuming the office of Minister of State for Corporate Affairs (I/C). We are sure that Company Law Reforms process will continue to provide conducive environment for the growth of Corporate Sector with emphasis on self regulation and good corporate governance, under the dynamic leadership of new Minister. We also wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. M Veerappa Moily for his guidance and blessings for the growth and development of the profession of Company Secretaries, and congratulate him on assuming the office of Union Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India.
NEW SYLLABUS
The quality of syllabus of a profession like ours is the barometer of the quality of its product. In view of deep and diversified operations of Indian corporates and new economic realities, the profile of responsibilities of and expectations from professionals is expanding fast. It becomes, therefore, necessary that the syllabus remains compatible with changing corporate paradigm and expectations of service seekers. It is in this context, the Council of the Institute has approved the new syllabus for Executive and Professional Programmes, which is contemporary in approach and global in perspective. The new syllabus has been given contemporary spirit by incorporating Electives at the Professional Programme level. The new syllabus with greater emphasis on due diligence, financial management, compliance management, corporate governance, sustainability and ethics, etc. comprises Seven papers at Executive Programme and Nine papers at Professional Programme level including one Paper to be opted by the students out of five elective papers namely, (i) Banking Law and Practice; (ii) Capital, Commodities and Money Market; (iii) Insurance Law and Practice; (iv) Intellectual Property Rights-Law and Practice; and (v) International Business-Laws and Practice. The Council has decided to implement the new syllabus for Executive Programme w.e.f. February 1, 2013 and the Professional Programme w.e.f. September 1, 2013.
he power of human mind is indeed unlimited in its potential. There are no limits, except those we place on ourselves. So it is individual choice or choices that determine how we want to see the world, a particular situation or a challenge. It depends on how do we programme our minds.
Attitude is the first attribute that is essential in successful programming of our minds. Right attitude helps right programming of mind in right direction that ultimately leads to success. It is our attitude that determines the altitude to which we could reach. Attitude can either be positive or negative. Positive attitude can have a significant positive impact on quality of life, be it personal or professional. A positive attitude is open, passionate, focused, and has many other attributes that lead us in the direction of creative success. Friends, we are witnessing change that is dynamic and occurring at the speed of light. Such change becomes meaningful only when we keep pace, adjust and sail through. This certainly requires a positive attitude which once developed, we find positive energy flowing around us. Having shared my thoughts, I wish to inform you about the developments during the month in the following paragraphs :
ICSI WELCOMES MR. SACHIN PILOT, HON'BLE MINISTER OF STATE FOR CORPORATE AFFAIRS (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
We extend our heartiest congratulations and felicitations to Mr.
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achieved together and that the innovation and adaptability are the necessary attributes in the process of transformation. Dr. Anand Deshpande, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Persistent Systems Ltd., and Chief Guest at the Valedictory Session called upon the Company Secretaries to work with entrepreneurs as team, create awareness about regulatory developments and advise on initiatives towards acceleration of growth, leveraging of technology and corporate governance. Mr. Saji Cherian, Head-Listing, Compliance and Corporate Services, MCX Stock Exchange delivered the Special Address. The presence of impressive number of delegates from different parts of country and sister professional bodies abroad made the convention a memorable event. The deliberations by experts and professionals representing cross section of policy makers, the government, industry, professionals and academicians resulted in generation of immense wealth of knowledge and ideas towards ways and means for the profession of Company Secretaries to transform, conform and to perform in a dynamic business environment. I take this opportunity to express my thanks to all my professional colleagues and their families for making the Convention a grand success.
President
ICSI in promoting good corporate governance and sustainability in India in the Valedictory Session.
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Articles
FCS Past President The Institute of Company Secretaries of India New Delhi
R. Krishnan,
rkrishnan@hotmail.com
Company Secretary -
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Secretary is a mere servant. Even in 1928 the House of Lords in J.C. Houghton and Company v. Nothard, Lowe and Wells Ltd (1928) L.R. (A.C.) 1 reaffirmed the earlier view that as an arrangement which was entered into by the company was not ratified by the company through its Board, then learned Law Lords said that the arrangement contained was not authorized by the respondent company. From 1887 to 1906 Courts uniformly took the view that a Company Secretary fulfils a very humble role and had no authority to make any contract on behalf of the company. A striking departure was made in Panorama Developments (Guildford) Ltd v. Fidelis Furnishing (1971) when Lord Denning and Lord Justice Salmon enhanced the Company Secretary's status by stating thus: "Times have changed; a company secretary is a much more important person nowadays than he was in 1887. He is an officer of the company with extensive duties and responsibilities. He is no longer a mere clerkHe is certainly entitled to sign contracts in the administrative side of the Company's affairs" Lord Solman L J after caricaturing in similar terms the office of secretary stated that "the secretary is the chief administrative officer of the company". A further recognition of the position of the Secretary came from the Supreme Court's decision in Turner Morison v. Hungerford Investment Trust AIR 1972 SC. In this case the secretary was held responsible for all the costs of a litigation in which he had signed the plaint. There are several reasons for this change in the status of Company Secretaries. Firstly, the major impetus for economic development in the less developed countries came at a time when large scale changes in technology were already underway. The main thrust of economic development came from Companies which were not only able to
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Articles
Company Secretary - A Key Managerial Person
exploit the new technology but were managed by groups of men well versed in the associated industrial technologies. The Company Secretaries in large companies took on gradually the functions of coordinators of the multitudinous subordinate executive decisions. Secondly, the rapid change in the character of social and economic policy aligned with the policy of economic development in our country has cast additional responsibilities on the corporate sector. Company Secretaries thus have to pay due regard to the impact of multiple factors on the internal administration of these companies. The need for developing the profession of Company Secretaries was widely recognized in the country culminating in the Government of India setting up in 1960 an Advisory Board to evolve and implement a Government Diploma in Company Secretaryship. The Advisory Board comprised of eminent experienced Company Secretaries from leading Business Houses in India. They formulated the syllabus for the Company Secretary examinations to be conducted for the first time in India, and the successful candidates were awarded Government Diploma in Company Secretaryship (GDCS). The first such examination was conducted in 1961. It was this essential groundwork in the early sixties that provided the necessary foundation for the present fledgling Institute of Company Secretaries of India. When the nucleus of GDCS Members were available during the period of 8 years, the Government set up on 4 October, 1968 the Institute of Company Secretaries of India as a Section 25 Company. The Institute so set up assumed control of all the functions the Government was carrying out for conducting the examinations for Company Secretaries. As this form was temporary in character, in line with the status of the other two professional institutes viz. ICAI and ICWAI, the Government converted the Institute as a Statutory Institute in 1980 under an Act of Parliament . Even prior to the conversion of the Institute as a Statutory one in 1980, the Government held the baby in its cradle and issued instructions to all Ministries/Departments in the Central Government to appoint GDCS Members as Company Secretaries in all the Public Enterprises. This was a major thrust and initiative in positioning indigenous Company Secretaries in the Public Sector in India. This led to the insertion of Section 383A in the Companies (Amendment) Act, 1975 providing for mandatory appointment of Company Secretaries in companies having a paid up capital of Rs 25 lakhs and above. With corporate governance gaining ascendancy all over the world following a series of Corproate frauds compliance with corporate governance norms have been made mandatory. Renowned Committees such as Cadbury Committee, Kumarmangalam Birla Committee, Naresh Chandra Committtee, to name a few, all unanimously advocated stringent corporate governance norms, many of which are now in the Companies Bill, 2011 pending in the Parliament. Indeed, the Cadbury Committee has eloquently emphasized the significant role of the Company Secretary in company management "The company secretary has a key role in ensuring that board procedures are both followed and regularly reviewed. The Chairman and the board will look to the company secretary for guidance on what their responsibilities areand how these should be discharged. All directors should have access to the advice and services of the company secretary and should recognize that the chairman is entitled
Even prior to the conversion of the Institute as a Statutory one in 1980, the Government held the baby in its cradle and issued instructions to all Ministries/Departments in the Central Government to appoint GDCS Members as Company Secretaries in all the Public Enterprises. This was a major thrust and initiative in positioning indigenous company secretaries in the Public Sector in India.
to the strong and positive support of the company secretary in ensuring the effective functioning of the board". The second innings of the Company Secretary as a practitioner is the most innovative and pioneering initiative of the profession. The first such, provision in Section 383A of the Companies Act, 1956 requiring every company with a paid up share capital of less than Rs 5 cr but exceeding Rs 10 Lakhs was to obtain a certificate from a practising company secretary on compliance with the provisions of the Companies Act.This has since been enlarged where the practising Company Secretary is now authorized : 1. to issue pre-certification of various e-forms/LLP Forms/DIN certification 2. to certify compliance with Buy-Back of Securities Rules, 1999 3. to appear before National Company Law Tribunal (proposed under the Companies Bill), Company Law Board, Tax Authorities, Reserve Bank of India, Enforcement Directorate, Competition Commission, Export Import Authorities, SEBI. These areas have been further incorporated in clause 204 of the Companies Bill, 2011 providing for secretarial audit in companies of a particular size by a Company Secretary in practice. SEBI in exercising their power under clause 49 have already gone ahead in stipulating several of the unanimous recommendations of the above Committees. The stringent compliance norms and penalties for failure to comply have cast additional responsibility on the Company Secretary, with the result that the Practising Company Secretary has now established themselves as an important aid for CG compliance. The new Bill under clause 204 is mandating all listed and other companies of a particular size to annex to their Board Report, a secretarial audit report from a practising company Secretary .Thus, India will be the first country in the world to have a secretarial audit report from a practicing company Secretary. The Bill further under clause 205 specifies the functions of the Company Secretary. It must thus be acknowledged that the new Bill seeks to strengthen the position of the Company Secretary, and according him the status of a Key Managerial Personnel is the icing on the cake. The Secretary for a long time has been the Cinderella of the corporate scene. Cinderella has at last been liberated. It is time that the new position is properly recognized. Fortunately the new Companies Bill, 2011 at last confers the belated recognition to the Company Secretaries in the corporate world.
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Om Prakash Dani*,
FCS Member Executive Committee Sri Aurobindo Society, Puducherry & Vice Chairman Sri Aurobindo Foundation for Integral Management Noida.
omdani@gmail.com
M. S. Srinivasan
Research Associate Sri Aurobindo Society Puducherry.
srinivasan@aurosociety.org
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on a single part as if it is the whole and refer everything to our own self-interest. But such thinking is not favourable to success in the future world which is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent. To be successful in the future we have to think holistically which means as Peter Senge describes: "We have to develop a sense of connectedness, a sense of working together as part of a system, where each part of the system is affecting and being affected by the others and where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."1 How to build this holistic mindset in the individual and the organisation? It requires a system of training, education and mentoring with the following objectives: a) Each individual is trained to think she is part of a larger group which in turn is part of a still larger whole and so on. b) Making each individual aware of her mutual interdependence and connectivity with other individuals and understand the consequences of her actions and decisions on others and the larger whole. c) Each group or division in the organisation has to be made aware of its mutual connectivity and interdependence with other groups. d) Awakening each individual and the group to the idea that their wellbeing, progress and effectiveness depends on the wellbeing, progress and effectiveness of the larger whole. For the leaders of the organisation, this awareness of the connectedness, interdependence, wholeness has to extend beyond the boundaries of the organisation to the other stakeholders like the customer, suppliers, community and the natural environment. Many of us who work in organisation as members, managers or leaders may be vaguely or subconsciously aware of this connectedness or interdependence. The aim of a holistic education is to make this awareness fully conscious and concrete and make people aware of its practical consequences for decision-making and action. However to fully internalize the holistic perspective it should not remain merely as an abstract idea in the upper layers of the mind; it must percolate into our feelings and sensations. The faculty of Imagination can be a great help in making the abstract idea concrete to the mental sensation, which in turn can evoke the corresponding emotions. We must learn to project, expand and widen our heart and mind into the larger whole and feel our own small self disappearing into it or feel it as a part of our own higher and larger self beyond our ego.
In business, what is equally or even more important than scientific and technological breakthrough in R&D laboratories, is how technology is used for enhancing organisational effectiveness or serving the changing customer needs.
as technology but also management techniques like TQM or Six Sigma and also every form of innovation which leads to improvement in efficiency, productivity or speed. In business, what is equally or even more important than scientific and technological break-through in R&D laboratories, is how technology is used for enhancing organisational effectiveness or serving the changing customer needs. Most of us who are part of the corporate world know what technology can do in enhancing efficiency and productivity. However, apart from these wellknown gifts of technology, it can bring two more important benefits to the workplace. First benefit is greater empowerment of the force. Information-technology can be a powerful instrument for empowering the work-force at all levels by its potential for extensive sharing and distribution of knowledge and information to all. By providing the workers at the lower level with the knowledge and information needed to make quick decisions, IT can lead to what some management thinkers called as "distributed leadership." In other words, IT can be a great help in delegation and devolution of power to lower levels of the work-force, provided management is willing to let go some of its powers. The second benefit is better customer service. The new technology is already revolutionising customer service. It is creating a new phenomenon called by some management pundits as "Mass Customization" which means the ability to serve the specific and unique needs of individual customers in the mass. In the earlier era, if you want to serve the individual needs of the customer, you can reach only a few people. On the other hand, if you want to serve a large number of customers then it can only be uniform in the mass. But now new technology enables companies to serve the needs of individual customer in a large scale. A customer can now sit in front of a computer terminal and design his own car, fridge, a cycle or an apparel according to his unique tastes or needs and get it delivered in a few days thanks to computerized manufacturing. For example, Japan's National Bicycle Industrial Co. dealers send the company factory a set of specification based on customers requirements for model, colour, components and personal requirement. And within a day, the
Peter Senge, 'Thought the Eye of the Needle,' Rethinking the Future ed. Rowan Gibson, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London, 1998, p. 122-46
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cycle, precisely made to fit individual customers requirements, is finished, packed and ready for shipment. Similarly, many retail firms in the West regularly track and analyse the buying patterns, habits and tastes of individual customers through advanced IT systems and device their sales, marketing and customer strategies accordingly. However in a deeper perspective, technology cannot bring any lasting and enduring transformation to human systems. Interestingly, Peter Senge, the well-known Management Guru, said in an interview: "Many people seem to believe that technology is the major driver of change that is a conventional cultural story in industrial societies. Personally, I think that only the most superficial changes are being brought about by technology" and quotes his mentor, Jay Forrester, a pioneer in digital computing, "Technological progress is more or less a production process if you put more money and good people into a particular area where there is a solid foundation, technological progress is more or less guaranteed. The really big issues facing mankind concern our inability to understand and manage our complex human systems." 2 Thus, even technology may get one day "commoditized" and cease to be a factor of competitive advantage. The successfactor of the future lies in understanding and transformation of complex human system. The key of this transformation lies in understanding how to internalize and organise Ideas or Values which lead to a deep and radical transformation in human consciousness. Here comes the importance of the principles and methodology of Indian yoga which can provide a scientific, systematic and practical path for achieving this inner transformation based on a deep understanding of human psychology. For, as Sri Aurobindo points out, yoga is nothing but "practical psychology." 3
The success-factor of the future lies in understanding and transformation of complex human system. The key of this transformation lies in understanding how to internalize and organise Ideas or Values which lead to a deep and radical transformation in human consciousness.
factors which can be centralized or delegated to the lower levels of management. For example some companies centralize Human Resource Development (HRD) but there are also companies where HRD is decentralized. ii) Building uniting principles: Without building factors which unite the organisation and the people around some common principles, decentralization will lead to disintegration of the organisation. These principles can be a mission, vision, a system of shared values or a common goal. iii) Divisional autonomy: Each division of the organisation has to be given sufficient freedom and autonomy to achieve their goals with minimum interference or control from above. iv) Borderless connectivity and interaction: There must be a free and vigorous interaction in the form of sharing of ideas or best practices with other parts or divisions of the organisation. Information Technology provides the technological tools for arriving at the highest level of connectivity with the rest of the organisation. v) Fostering Self-managing teams: Wherever possible, especially in the domain of frontline employees who are in direct contact with customers, self-organising teams have to be formed with maximum freedom to decide, plan, organise their work and achieve their goal with minimum supervision or interference from hierarchical authority. For example, in Ritz Carlton, the frontline team made of the desk manager, chef, janitors, receptionist, stewards, housekeepers, are given full freedom to organise and deliver customer service with only some broad guidelines. However, we must note here that freedom alone is not enough for effective functioning of a selfmanaging team. The members of the team should be given sufficient training, knowledge, information and skill to do their work. vi) Enforcing Commitment to Goals: Autonomy, selfmanagement or empowerment becomes effective only when there is strong commitment to achieve well-defined organisational goals. This commitment has to come voluntarily from within the team member who has to achieve the goals and not authoritatively imposed from above. In other words, these goals have to be set or rather evolved through a process of dialogue, discussion and consultation with the team members.
Peter Senge, 'Thought the Eye of the Needle,' Rethinking the Future ed. Rowan Gibson, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London, 1998, p. 122-46 Sri Aurobindo, Collected Works, Synthesis of Yoga, Vol. 23-24, p. 44, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry, 1972.
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But IT can only help in efficient or productive organisation or spreading of information but cannot create new knowledge. In the future, advancement in the technology of Artificial Intelligence may create "Thinking Machines" which can do some form of human-like thinking. But still, new ideas which lead to breakthrough innovations or radical changes in the quality of human life have to come from the creative layers of the human mind. As Peter Drucker once said, success in the future world of business lies not in information technology but in "cognitive sciences" which means understanding, developing and harnessing all the faculties of knowledge within our consciousness. Our human reason is undoubtedly one of the faculties of knowledge. But our potentialities of knowledge are not confined to reason. In fact the creative potentialities of reason are quite limited. As we have indicated earlier, Artificial Intelligence systems can perhaps do most of our reasoning in the future. This doesn't means rejecting reason. Our thinking and reasoning mind is an important instrument for expressing and organising knowledge. So development of the thinking intelligence is indispensable for building a culture of knowledge. But for creating new knowledge which goes beyond the capabilities of reason we must also develop the following extra-rational faculties of knowledge: Power of self-observation or mindfulness which means the ability to observe our cognitive process as a detached witness. Power of Concentration which gives us the ability to focus of our attention at a single point or idea or activity. Faculties of Imagination for visualizing unmanifest and unknown possibilities or converting abstract ideas into concrete images. Faculty of Intuition which provides direct insight into the deeper, invisible or holistic truths, patterns or forces behind the visible forms, information or appearances. For building an innovative organisation which constantly creates new knowledge, development of these extrarational faculties has to be incorporated into the training programmes of employees at all levels.
Charles Hardy, 'Finding Sense in Uncertainty,' Rethinking the Future ed. Rowan Gibson, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, London, 1998, p.16-33 Rosabeth Mass Kanter, 'How Great Companies Think Differently,' Harvard Business Review, November, 2011, p. 50-62
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previously couldn't create."6 This means in a learning organization, knowledge is constantly generated and applied for the betterment or progress of life. The process of learning has three components: knowledge, skill and progress. In a broader perspective that goes beyond the corporate bottomlines, knowledge means understanding of the laws, principles, aims, values, methods, process and the causative forces of life or the segment of life which is understudy, in other words, Science of Life. The word "Life" includes the life within us, in our own self and the life of the world around us. Skill means the ability to apply this understanding for the progressive improvement, enrichment or transformation of life, Technology of Living. In a modern organization the object of knowledge is the segment of life within the organization and the life of the larger environment economic, social and natural of which it is a part. The nature of knowledge depends on the nature of vision, values, goals and needs of the organization. A learning organization has to pursue knowledge and skill simultaneously. Seeking truth and knowledge for its own sake has its validity in education, research and philosophy. But in a pragmatic institution like business a mere accumulation of knowledge without result-oriented application is a waste of cognitive energy. On the other hand mere multiplication of skills and techniques without an expanding base of knowledge and an enduring foundation of uplifting values, leads to a soulless mechanization of life. This learning has to be progressive, which means there must be a constant quest for a deeper, wider and a more holistic understanding of life and its application for a corresponding enrichment of life. The individual or organizational learner must constantly seek to understand the deeper and inner sources and causes of things, events, problems and phenomenon of life. And finally, the learner has to look within himself and try to understand the inner sources of knowledge, skill and action. This brings us to the question as to how to create an environment favourable to this constant and continuous learning. According to Peter Senge, effective learning requires a 'learning architecture' made of "practical experimentation and testing, capacity building and diffusion and standardisation." The first requirements are "learning laboratories" where new ideas can be tested and experimented without the daily pressures of the target-oriented corporate environment. The second factor is training programmes which build new skills or capabilities. The third factor is a scrupulous documentation and standardisation of the learning process and makes it accessible to all. The other important factor is a culture of sharing knowledge, teamwork and cooperation
6
A learning organization has to pursue knowledge and skill simultaneously. Seeking truth and knowledge for its own sake has its validity in education, research and philosophy. But in a pragmatic institution like business a mere accumulation of knowledge without result-oriented application is a waste of cognitive energy.
where people are genuinely interested in helping one another develop new capacities for action.
Peter Senge, 'The Art and Practice of the Learning Organisation', The New Paradigm in Business, ed. Michael Ray and Alan Rinzler, World Business Academy, 1993, p. 126-34.
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Mahesh A. Athavale*,
FCS Partner, Kanj & Associates Company Secretaries, Pune
Anagha Anasingaraju,
mahesh.athavale@kanjcs.com
anagha.anasingaraju@kanjcs.com
Corporate Professionals
In todays fast changing world, to be a successful professional and a successful oraganization, positive attitude is required on the part of both corporate professionals as well as corporates. What ought to be done to bring about such attitudinal shift, is briefly outlined in this article.
"Attitude almost always decides your altitude".
Attitudes keep on changing. The communication and behavior of other people are subject to change by social influences, as well as any individual's motivation to maintain consistency when attitudes and behavior conflict. Attitudes also change with the age of a person, his experiences in life, circumstances around him and so also from one generation to the next. A taboo in grandma's times suddenly becomes a fashion for a granddaughter, while daughter hates that.
ttitude is a way to look towards the world at large. It is a mindset and perception that builds attitude. Upbringing of a person matters a lot. It is the evaluation and associated beliefs and behavior towards others. It is an expression of favour or disfavor towards a person, place, thing or event.
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'society', 'public interest', 'common good' is intangible but not fictitious so is the case of 'corporate'. Attitude of the corporate leaders becomes the 'corporate attitude'. At time the leaders within a given corporate may cause a change for corporate attitude. Sometimes it could be the Chairman or a Managing Director or a promoter who runs a puppet show of the Board of Directors. These days everyone talks a lot about good governance, transparency and being honest. When it comes to actual practice, one starts giving excuses from acting as such and blame is often passed on to the circumstances and systems. It has been told in the Mahabharata that 'a leader should not complain of bad environment and systems but should change those'. It is absurd when we hear a home minister making appeal to the people at large to change the system of maintaining law and order or a chancellor of university sharing dais with Chief Minister talking about deteriorating levels in educational field. Many a times, corporate attitude and corporate culture gets blended. Culture and behavior reflects the attitude that is brought to work every day - the way one thinks and the way one acts. Corporate professionals are all those who have a say in the functioning and decision making of a corporate - be it company secretaries, chartered accountants, cost and management accountants or an MBA or a technocrat, may be a chemist, scientist, physicist or an engineer.
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observation'. However one must remember that basic values, principles of ethics and morality can not and should not change. Appearance may have changed but physiology has not changed, Menu card in a hotel has changed but need for proteins, vitamins and carbohydrates has not changed. Way of expression may have changed but love of a mother or concern of a father for her / his child has not changed. Causes of death have changed but the fact of mortality has not changed. Temptations are too many in variety and volume. One can avoid anything but temptations. New generation appears to have become more materialistic with few exceptions. Professionals have become techno savvy and have realized the need to continuously update themselves and have good infrastructure to serve their clients. Practicing as CS or CA or a doctor or an Advocate has become capital intensive which generates need for more money and one changes his belief of being slow and steady and wants to be fast and faster. In order to survive competition, one tends to compromise with values and ethics. Such change is undesirable.
Many a times, corporate attitude and corporate culture gets blended. Culture and behavior reflects the attitude that is brought to work every day - the way one thinks and the way one acts.
in general. Companies which were till then domestic affairs and were being run with the head and the heart of family members together started looking for new ways of thinking and expanding their horizons. Foreign entrants expected more professionalism in business and this led to cultural clashes at the workplace. This can be marked as a major attitudinal shift in the functioning of corporates in India. What followed is that, with a shift in corporate functioning, corporate professionals were also required to bring about a shift in their attitude and perception. With large MNCs making their presence felt in India in a big way and with their corporate money and muscle power and at time aggressive culture the priorities changed. Shift working was uncommon to an accountant or a purchase officer or a finance officer. He would always work in general shift from 9 to 5. Due to time difference in different countries and concept of 24x7, night shift became very common for such white collared workers more so for IT professionals. The changes in the corporate laws have increased the penalties manifold. Day in and day out, the newspapers carry reports of economic offences by reputed corporates, persons in senior positions and the law catching up with them sooner or later. This has slowly but surely shifted the focus and it is now not sufficient to merely follow the letter of the law but also the spirit of the law. Transparency and good governance are the key words in today's times. It is not sufficient to be merely compliant with the law for the sake of it, but it is also necessary to be driven by the compliance culture in the organization. In today's world, even family owned and managed companies have realized the importance of changing the attitude to ensure its survival and growth - be it in retaining employees, complying with the law, employee welfare, discharging social corporate responsibility or paying taxes. As corporate professionals, we all have a very important role to play in imbibing this culture right from the initial stages. There have been times when corporate professionals themselves along with some elements from the corporates have resorted to using dubious means in making illegal and disproportionate
Shift in economic policies affecting corporates and corporate professionals and their attitude
If one compares two important time slots of the Indian economythe last decade of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century, one finds a sea change in the ambiance. It would be interesting to understand the shift in economic policies in the country and its effects on corporates, corporate professionals and their attitudes. The last decade of the 20th century brought about reforms in the Indian economy. The beginning of this decade saw end of the license-raj, decreased government interference, opened economy, massive privatization and liberalization. Changes in various corporate laws were brought about. Foreign Exchange Regulation Act gave way to Foreign Exchange Management Act; it became easier for the foreign companies and collaborators to enter India and set up businesses here. MRTP got diluted and later got dissolved. Far reaching changes were brought about in the Company Law. Self certification, self declaration and self discipline became order of the day. Entry of foreign corporate houses brought with it different sets of culture in the Indian businesses in particular and Indian society
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In today's world, even family owned and managed companies have realized the importance of changing the attitude to ensure its survival and growth - be it in retaining employees, complying with the law, employee welfare, discharging social corporate responsibility or paying taxes.
gains for themselves. Government has changed its attitude and has started believing in professionals. Approval of forms uploaded on MCA portal under Straight Through Process (STP) is the best example of such change. Needless to say this has enhanced the obligations of the professionals and they are now forced to change their casual attitude. With this certification work coming professionals' way, the onus has surely shifted on the professionals to ensure proper compliance of law and procedures. Professionals are expected to be independent and hold an independent view and act independently. They should not be always taking instructions from their clients / employers and dance to their tunes. They are expected to form an independent opinion about their way of discharging duties.
d. Change the attitude of people within and without the organization in all dealings. Let people told in clear terms: what is allowed and what is definitely not; e. Be transparent in all dealings; f. Start following the letter and spirit of the law; g. Do things which are legal as well as fair; h. Do not do things which may be legal but are unfair; i. Always uphold national interest and pride; j. Make the country a better, reliable and safe place to live; k. Take up your responsibility towards the mankind; Corporate professionals should not only believe and think in a fair manner but should act as such. Unless one already has the positive and fair attitude one should try change to: a. Be away from lust, greed and wrath, these are the three roads leading to disaster; b. Distinguish in necessities, comforts and luxuries of life; Fight for the first and not for second and never for the third; c. Find time to spend money which you have earned by spending precious time; d. Be independent in exercising your judgment while in employment or in practice; e. Know what is right and what is wrong and why so; f. Decide your loyalties - whether they are towards the company, the management, the stakeholders, the law, society or simply towards your profession; g. Decide what you must do and then do it fearlessly; h. Think before you act and don't act unless you think; i. Create a space for family members and keep away from peer pressure, client pressure, timelines, deadlines, targets or getting excessively remunerated for shortcuts; j. Avoid justifying your wrong by quoting precedence of someone else's wrong; k. Maintain the highest level of integrity in all personal and professional dealings; l. Shamelessly learn from others' experiences; m. Know when to say 'no' and then learn to say 'no'. Push back. Even if it means losing a client, it will pay off in the long run; n. Give importance to long term sustainable advantage rather than short term windfalls; o. Clients respect professionals who stand to their ground in all circumstances; p. Respect your peers. Let there be healthy competition; q. Develop your own area of expertise and specialization and strive to be the best there; r. Share knowledge and experience; s. Imbibe the values and virtues in your juniors, trainees or subordinates; t. Be the conscious keeper of the Board room and protector of Corporate Governance; u. It is easier to change one's own attitude that that of the world. The list could be endless. What is important to remember is that satisfaction and pleasure always comes from within.
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FCS Partner V. Sreedharan & Associates Company Secretaries, Bangalore
V. Sreedharan*,
sree@sreedharancs.com
Beyond Compliance
Explaining the importance of ethics and professionalism, this article goes further to discuss the role expected of corporate professionals and the attitudinal shift expected from Indian Boardrooms as well as Company Secretaries.
hen you see that trading is done, not by consent, but by compulsion when you see that in order to produce, you need to obtain permission from men who produce nothing when you see that money is flowing to those who deal, not in goods, but in favours when you see that men get richer by graft and by pull than by work, and your laws don't protect you against them, but protect them against youwhen you see corruption being rewarded and honesty becoming a selfsacrificeyou may know that your society is doomed. - Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged).
property scam and a myriad number of other cases are pointers to improper governance, sharp practices and lack of transparency and have severely impacted the image of the country. India has sunk in the Global Corruption Index and this is hardly surprising, given the environment that has been created across the country as more and more high-profile cases of financial irregularities ( as reported in the press and electronic media) in the corporate and certain government controlled sectors have surfaced in the past few years. Of late, thanks to aggressive media coverage, corporate corruption, government investigations and excessive pay packages have been well publicised and chronicled. Scandalous and unethical behaviour has become so prevalent that executives are beginning to painfully realise the impact of ethical behaviour on both themselves and the companies they work for. The world has become too complex and interconnected to tolerate unethical behaviour. Investors shun companies that behave poorly and view infractions with a renewed sense of caution. Good ethical approach creates a positive corporate culture that makes customers happy and ultimately makes the company more profitable. As India Inc. globalises, there is an urgent need for an attitudinal shift in the mindset of corporate professionals and the corporate
Background
The last decade witnessed significant growth of the corporate sector the world over. While corporate governance and transparency have been trumpeted too often, a series of corporate scams, frauds and questionable practices have dented the confidence of the investors and regulators. That is not to say that everything is hunky dory with regard to the utilisation by public enterprises of the public resources. In India, the C & AG's investigative and damning reports on the 2G Scam, the Commonwealth Games, the Mumbai
* Past Central Council Member, The ICSI.
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sector to restore credibility in the eyes of the regulators, the investing public and the world at large. Given this background, it is time to take stock of the present scenario and the role of Corporate Professionals in these volatile times and to examine whether an attitudinal shift in the mindset of the corporate sector and professionals is desirable.
To maintain professional independence, the individual holding the position of Company Secretary must have appropriate knowledge skill set, adequate and relevant experience, ethical responsibility, integrity and a degree of doggedness and rigidity of character of "what is right" to avoid being influenced to take a questionable course of action.
stakeholders require to be set aside in favour of collective responsibility to all stakeholders in order to allow for greater transparency in the decisions taken by the Board. The Board may take steps to protect such independence by requiring collective accountability and responsibility. The Company Secretary should be made accountable to the Board collectively in the discharge of his duties rather than being accountable to any one individual Board member. The remuneration committee should determine the remuneration of the Company Secretary with such recommendation being approved by the entire Board.
Professional Independence
Quite often, the subject of professional independence is debated with regard to Corporate Professionals and that of the Company Secretary in particular. It must be understood that the Company Secretary is an employee of the Company and is dependent on the company for his remuneration. To maintain professional independence, the individual holding the position of Company Secretary must have appropriate knowledge skill set, adequate and relevant experience, ethical responsibility, integrity and a degree of doggedness and rigidity of character of "what is right" to avoid being influenced to take a questionable course of action. To avoid conflicts of interest, the wishes of dominant individual
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The position of auditors, company secretaries, bankers and professional directors has to be made practically independent. Suitable provisions need to be enshrined in Corporate Legislation to protect Company Secretaries when they act as a Whistle Blower or Conscience Keeper. This will go a long way in improving corporate compliance. Lessons can be learnt from the rules and regulations of the Security Exchange Commission of USA.
Ronald Duska and James A. Mitchell list 5 reasons why ethical lapses occur: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Self-interest sometimes morphs into greed and selfishness, Some people suffer from stunted moral development, Some people equate moral behaviour with legal behaviour, Professional duty can conflict with company demands, Individual responsibility can wither under the demands of the client.
Ethics
It is said that the 21st Century will be the century of ethics. When government-sanctioned or other `official' regulations fall by the wayside, ethical standards assume greater importance. Can ethics be taught? Teddy Roosevelt said, "to educate a person in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." Ethics has divine origins. Manusmriti Samhita incorporates earliest code of social and legal ethics in India. God gave 10 Commandments to Moses. Babylonian civilisation received laws of Hammurabi from the Sun God. All stakeholders have faith in the ability of code of ethics, which if practiced in letter and spirit can help prevent corporate mishaps. More often than not, some of the professional managers (including Company Secretaries) get involved or dragged into the management process, though few individuals are not party to such nefarious activities and discharge their duties without fear or favour. It is heartening to note that even in the United States, considered the bastion of free enterprise, ethics-based professional standards are considered not only acceptable but also of benefit to the users.
All professional Institutes have adopted a Code of Conduct and their members are expected to abide by the Code. Good ethical standards will have to come from within and Company Secretaries will have to ensure that they maintain high levels of ethics and right conduct in discharging their duties.
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Corporate and Professional Ethics... Beyond Compliance
The role of Company Secretaries has changed from a "record keeper" or "compliance Officer" to that of a Key Managerial Functionary in the Corporate hierarchy. While his focus should be on Governance and Compliance, the Company Secretary must "go beyond compliance" and have a thorough understanding of the business environment in which his company operates.
The Spencer Stuart 2011 India Board Index, done annually, provides an overview of governance practices in India's largest listed companies. The study shows that four broad areas of change are emerging: "a. Companies are increasingly splitting the role of the Chairman and the CEO - a trend which till recently was largely limited to the MNCs in India. According to the India Board Index 2011, except one company, every BSE-100 company has split the roles. b. A growing number of companies have a non-executive chairman. This makes for better Board governance because it allows the chairman to focus on effective running of the Board while the CEO is responsible for managing the business. Many Indian Companies are realising the need for global inputs in their Boardrooms. As a result they are actively inducting foreign directors on board. The percentage of foreign directors has been steadily going up - from 24% in 2009 to 33% in 2011. The percentage strength of women directors to the total number of directors on BSE-100 companies has been rising but slowly from around 2.5% about three to four years back to 5.51% in 2011. "
accepting directorships, significantly skewing the demand and supply of Board directors. Corporates will have to do much more to provide them comfort, if they want to bring them on Board and utilise their expertise.
c.
d.
On the flip side, the resource pool of independent directors has shrunk significantly. Independent directors have become extremely wary of recent corporate misdemeanours. Many competent independent directors are therefore shying away from
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Acknowledgements
1. 2. 3. www.scu.edu www.spencerstuart.com www.wikipedia.org
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Dr. S. D. Israni*,
FCS Sr. Partner S.D. Israni Law Chambers Advocates & Solicitors (UK)
sdisrani@gmail.com
t is exactly eleven years to the month when at the beginning of the new decade of the Twenty-first Century the corporate world was badly shaken by the Enron episode in the USA which not only saw the collapse of Enron but the disbanding of the then largest audit firm of Arthur Anderson; as if the bankruptcy of Enron was not enough it was soon to follow by the failure of few more leading American and European corporations. At that time, we in India seemed to believe that such things happen only in USA or other western economies, while we don't have any such major problem in India. This myth was shattered with the explosive admission by Ramalinga Raju on 7th January 2009 about the massive fraud perpetrated by him as the Chairman of Satyam Computer Services Ltd., till then a highly respected listed company. Satyam had been a winner of several awards for corporate governance and excellent business performance over the years. It had a board comprising highly respected
professionals who never seemed to have smelt the rat at Satyam. In fact, Mr.Raju proved the old adage right that,"Corporation is an ingenious device for obtaining individual profit without individual responsibility." He used the corporate veneer behind which he committed a massive fraud upon the shareholders as also various other stakeholders. The Satyam episode proved that the Corporate Sector has many pretenders. Most of the Companies would like the society to believe that they are paragons of Best Corporate Governance. This reminds me of that famous Sanskrit shloka, which is as under: "Kakah krishna pikah krishna Ko bhedo pika kaka yo? Vasanta rituey, Kakah kakah, Pikah pikaha" The crow is black, and the cuckoo is black so what is difference between a crow and cuckoo? Well, when spring arrives, it's easy to tell who is the crow and who is the cuckoo. It is only when a SATYAM happens that we come to know who is the crow and who is the cuckoo; otherwise all of them keep on crowing that they are cuckoos. So is the case with many a corporate which pretends to be a world class organisation only to fail the litmus test when the time
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arrives. However, by the time the truth is realized the damage would have already been done and there would be several unintended victims. Therefore, there is a need to not only sensitise the managements, but have systems in place that encourage transparency, accountability, responsibility and good corporate practices in the day to day functioning of a company.
was the provision for having independent directors on the boards of all listed companies. Interestingly, while the term 'independent director' does not even find a mention in the Companies Act and there is no specific definition of the term, still SEBI made it compulsory for all listed companies to enlarge their boards by having independent directors. However, Satyam happened inspite of all these changes that were effected in the corporate governance practices mandated by SEBI, thereby exposing several chinks in the armour of the corporate management. It became evident that the scale of fraud committed by the promoter of Satyam could not have been possible without the active and passive connivance of professionals involved in the day to day operations of the Company.
"It is true enough said that a corporation has no conscience; but a corporation of conscientious men is a corporation with a conscience."
When a person promotes a public company, uses public funds for his business and his actions impact a large number of persons then he needs to be more accountable for his acts of commission and omission. One should not be allowed to use the cover of a corporate entity to mislead or cheat the community or the various stakeholders. Apart from the perfunctory efforts of the Government, some leading industrialists, professionals and trade chambers have also displayed their concern for the disturbing situation in the corporate sector so far as transparency and accountability is concerned. The issue of corporate governance has been in the realm of public discussion for the last almost two decades when it started with the Cadbury Report in UK and was shortly followed by various committee reports in India under different Chairmen like Mr. N.R.Narayan Murthy, Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Mr. Naresh Chandra, etc. A large number of recommendations of all these committees have been brought on the statute by the market regulator and today they are part of the normal routine corporate practices. One of the most significant changes that was brought in by SEBI
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rewards honesty, while simultaneously comes down heavily on the offenders. Today the system is almost reverse with honest persons being bullied and harassed while the crooks continue to operate brazenly without any fear of law. There is a strong need to bring back the fear of law in the citizens; be they politicians, civil servants and police, judicial employees or ordinary citizens; all should develop healthy respect for the institutions with swift punishment for the guilty as the norm. Government also needs to realize that merely increasing the responsibility and accountability of professionals like Company Secretaries and Chartered Accountants is no solution to the multifold ills of the corporate sector which can only be addressed by a multi-pronged strategy. Hence, the need for the Government to reform itself.
There is a strong need to bring back the fear of law in the citizens; be they politicians, civil servants and police, judicial employees or ordinary citizens; all should develop healthy respect for the institutions with swift punishment for the guilty as the norm.
properties, it is necessary to have strong systems based approach with effective checks and balances coupled with regular internal audit covering all the aspects of corporate governance. Over the years it has been observed that concentration of management powers in one or two persons at the top increases the chances of misuse, notwithstanding the fact that there may be a board of directors in place. It would be in the interest of the investors that the position of Chairman and Managing Director is held by two separate persons to minimise the chances of misuse. However, this does not obviate the responsibility casts on the shoulders of independent directors. While it is a fact that all the independent directors are invited to join the board by the promoters, once on the board they are directors of the company with accountability towards the shareholders and other stakeholders. It is their bounden duty to ensure due compliance without fear or favour, else they could be hauled over the coals and face ignomity. They are not as powerless as it may appear, independent directors collectively enjoy power which is enough to enable them to keep the management on its toes and work towards the desired goals. It is time that independent directors realise that the law is going to hold them accountable for the deeds and misdeeds of promoters in a company and they will not have easy escape routes.
c) Mindset of Professionals
In the new system of corporate governance, working and practising professionals like Company Secretaries and Chartered Accountants have a very significant role to play. It would not be out of place to state that much is expected of these two professions in achieving the economic goals of the country through the corporate sector. A Company Secretary by very nature of his duties and position gets maximum opportunities of interacting with all the directors of the company. It is his duty to ensure that all the directors are well informed about the role they are expected to play and the rights they enjoy as ordinary directors / independent directors. A good company secretary would normally act as an advisor to the board in its proceedings and ensure due and timely compliances.
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Professionals need to remember that even being a passive onlooker can prove dangerous as he can be charged for negligence. At the same time, it does not mean that a professional like company secretary should act as a door mat and allow the management to rough ride over him.
Certificates provided to the management by a working company secretary or a practising company secretary is not merely any other certificate, but it is a document of faith with an underlying promise that all the relevant records have been duly verified and the compliances are in place; it is a document that is based on trust and professional competence and any shortcoming on the part of the company secretary can compromise the position of the directors. It is not uncommon to hear of a professional giving a certificate without having verified the records or even being aware of the reality; may be many a times such professionals get away from the law, but they need to remember that the day they are caught it will be all over. A company secretary should remember that he has nothing to lose but his reputation which takes a lifetime to build and just one scandal or even a single lapse to lose. Worse could be in store and the professional may even find himself behind the bars for not doing what he ought to have done in a particular situation. Professionals need to remember that even being a passive onlooker can prove dangerous as he can be charged for negligence. At the same time, it does not mean that a professional like company secretary should act as a door mat and allow the management to rough ride over him. The company secretary should know where to draw the line and then ensure that the Laxmanrekha is not crossed under any circumstances. While this may sound easy in theory, one should be conscious of the fact that in practice it is not always as easy to take a stand contrary to the boss. However, life never offers easy options, more so for a professional like a company secretary who by virtue of his position interacts with the top management on a continuous basis. Therefore, it is all the more imperative for every professional, be it a company secretary or a chartered accountant, to realise the impact of not just active involvement in a crime but even passive
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participation; it is the professional's reputation and career that is at stake. A professional should always remember that a company never gives a job, it is his competence that gets him a job. A competent professional will always have a job chasing him so he should never worry about losing a job and be sincere to his position and the role he is required to play. The success of management by exception where greater responsibility is cast on professionals hinges precisely on the role that the professionals are expected to play. They have to be conscience keepers and ensure due compliance by companies and if need be, should also be the whistleblowers. Accordingly, the professionals have to change their mindset and not be the blind followers of the management but exercise professional discretion while discharging their duties.
Conclusion
Nobody in the corporate sector can deny that business should be conducted ethically keeping in view the greater good of the society at large with professionals playing their part. However, at the same time there is an onus on other players as well, particularly the Government. The widespread corruption poses a serious challenge for a company while dealing with public authorities and government departments. It will be impractical to expect the corporate sector to perennially be a lotus even as it tries to keep itself afloat in all the filth around it. If such a scenario continues, not too many lotuses will be there to bloom resulting in all the avoidable gloom.
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S. Viswanathan, ACS Managing Director and Company Secretary, John Fowler India (P) Ltd., Bangalore
viswanathan@johnfowlerindia.com
o back to Annual reports of 70s and 80s, if not earlier. Most of the Annual Reports will dwell at length on the state of the economy and will have very little on the operations of the company. We have come a long way since then in the matter of disclosure, quarterly reporting, management discussion and analysis. Further, we have everything on the company website.
* * * *
Independent Directors
Let us take a common item in any agenda for the annual general meeting - appointment of directors. While there are mandatory requirements regarding the number of independent directors on a company's board, the degree of independence will be increasingly tested in the times to come. What are these tests? The number of years the independent director is on the board. Although many years in the same company enable a non whole time director to have a better knowledge of the operations of the company, there also develops a greater familiarity with the promoters/management. This by itself is not bad and cannot be regarded as eroding the independence of the directors but the moot point is whether there is such a paucity of good independent directors that companies (particularly the listed ones) are not able to look beyond the present lot. The fee and commission earned by an independent director To attract top talent, companies need to reward directors for the
The above is an example of just one change that we have seen over a period of time. Being a company secretary and managing director enables one to look at the functioning of company from different perspectives. It is from this vantage point that this article will be looking at the paradigm shift that is taking place in the functioning of companies and the changing role of company secretary. The shift in the way corporates will function is analysed under the following heads and this is by no means exhaustive. * Independent directors * Board functioning * Mergers and acquisition
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time spent. The question is what proportion of fees/commission the director gets from various companies comes from a single company and, if it is high, whether this will make the director depend on the company rather than the other way around. Experience and skills a director brings to the table The question that will be asked is the extent of knowledge of the industry (in which the company operates) the director has, knowledge of market dynamics, what he brings to the table and what has been his overall contribution. Few companies have an elaborate procedure for appraising independent directors performance. This, however, is not widely prevalent. Ability to question the management and the whole time directors One wonders what questions were asked in the board room of Union Carbide in the 70s and 80s before Bhopal catastrophe. In the current context it will be interesting to know the questions raised by the independent directors in the board meetings of Kingfisher or DLF regarding the way the company functions. The shift in the functioning of companies that this writer feels will happen is that the independent directors will find it difficult to take shelter under the defence that they cannot be expected to know everything. True, but they are expected to know the key aspects of the company's operations and what actions they took. Independent directors in well run companies will spend increasingly more time and, therefore, need to be remunerated for this. We already see this trend in companies like Infosys. Institutes like Indian Institute of Management conduct programmes for independent directors. It is one thing to be a whole time director or a CEO of a company and another thing to be an independent director. While former position is more handson, the latter position requires taking a helicopter view. This shift is not easy. The focus and approach are different. Some companies do have sessions for newly inducted independent directors and one will see this happening more and more in the years to come.
Board room working The failure of banks in the West in 2008 is still fresh in one's memory. 80% of the board members of these banks were independent directors. So also in the various board committees. The presence of independent directors did not prevent failure. Take the case of board of AIG( which had to be bailed out by the US government), the largest insurance company in the world. The latest experience any of them had directly with insurance was some 7 years previously. All of them were over 70 and one
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octogenarian had been a distinguished ballet dancer. (1) Quality of the board will increasingly count. The board members will be under intense scrutiny. Independent investor advisory companies will play an increasingly bigger role in giving their recommendations on remuneration, appointment, reappointment of directors, share exchange ratio in mergers etc. One must admit that this is not going to happen in a big way overnight. It will be some years before we see the results. However, one should not be surprised to see an increased activism among the big investors. How many would have thought that a London based investor would file a suit against the directors of a public sector company, as TCI has done with directors of Coal India Ltd. for alleged breach of their fiduciary duties? We cannot expect independent directors to understand all the details of the company's operations. They should be focussing on long term trends, the developments in the industry and the economy (not just Indian) and their impact on the company. Operational plans like reduction in cost will not be the focus of these directors. The strategy they will be debating will not be about operational issues. The strategy the board will spend time on will be more to do with the competitiveness of the company, how to preserve and enhance the same, organic and inorganic expansion and so on. This is one trend which one will see more in future. Increasingly, Indian companies because of the need for quarterly performance disclosure are under pressure to deliver quarter after quarter. Like their counterparts in the West, near-term results have assumed importance in the functioning of Indian corporates. Even if the Indian investors are a patient lot, the FIIs will not be so. Hence the need to balance the short term requirements (to produce good financial results) with the need to develop long term goals and pursue the same. The balance has to be struck and, in future, the challenge will be how the companies do this. Although the question, "how will the next quarter be" will be discussed in the board room, in the same breadth the questions that will be asked, to specify a few, and debated are How are we placed 3 years from now? Are we in a position to cope up with the changing trends in our industry and are we investing enough? Do we have enough management depth to handle this? This has several implications. Some of which are:
u
u
Bob Garratt, The fish rots from the head.
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The company should be prepared to take a hit in the bottom line in the short term because it is investing (say in R&D, heavy marketing spends) for the future. The support the CEO has from the board. Will the board tolerate insipid performance in the short term knowing full well that this is the result of actions taken for future benefits? Facing the analysts and investors.
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Attitudinal Shift in the Functioning of Corporates and Company Secretaries u Impact on the share price. Some companies are known to hold off-site meetings of the board and the senior management to discuss strategic issues. This will be more a rule than an exception in the Indian corporate scene in the future. This, needless to say, needs time commitments from Indian directors, companies briefing them properly, management approaching such sessions with an open mind, not with the "we will enter this market regardless of what the directors will think" approach.
Quality of the board will increasingly count. The board members will be under intense scrutiny. Independent investor advisory companies will play an increasingly bigger role in giving their recommendations on remuneration, appointment, reappointment of directors, share exchange ratio in mergers etc. One must admit that this is not going to happen in a big way overnight.
already seen will further intensify in the years to come as the business becomes more complex and the market dynamics change. It will be important to have consensus to avoid conflicts. It is worthwhile to recall what leaders of the US Quaker community (known for their business acumen) mentioned when Peter Davis, a professor at University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School asked them what consensus meant to them. (2) Understanding all the ideals of the organisation that makes consensus rather than majority rule preferable; An understanding of group individuals and their idiosyncrasies; A deep commitment to listening; A sense of trust in the validity of each member's contribution; An openness to learn from those who may be better informed; A conviction that individual knowledge untempered by group wisdom is often shallow; A willingness to undertake self examination, particularly when a compromise between an individual's own point of view and the point of view of the group has the potential to lead to consensus. Absence of consensus leads to conflict and how family feud can affect the business can be seen from the business run by Gucci brothers, makers of luxury goods. As Mr. Peter Leach wrote in "Family businesses", with each family member having different ideas about running and expanding the business, discussions virtually became board room fights. With son suing the father and reporting to the tax authorities, assassination of a member of the family by another family member, soap operas could not have done better.
Family business
John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge in their highly readable book "The Company"gave two examples while looking at the corporate history of UK family owned businesses. Cadbury family ran the business professionally. The owners of Cadbury managed the business and the managers owned. The company prospered. Pilkington reserved all the top positions in their glassmaking company for members of the family. The company suffered and the family had to bring outsiders on the board. India has a long history of family owned businesses. Apart from the MNCs, for long manufacturing sector (not the only sector, one should add) has been dominated by family owned businesses. Some of the business houses which thrived during the licence and permit raj have faltered in the post 1991 liberalisation era. By and large, the business houses that have thrived have brought in outsiders in management although one still finds family members in key positions in the organisation. The paradigm shift one will see in future in the family businesses is the attention given to succession planning. This is widely known but poorly understood. Unlike non-family businesses where the talent pool for filling positions in the organisation comes either from within or from outside, in family businesses, there is another dimension namely, the family members who are already at various levels in the organisation. Complexity is further added with different family members staking claims to top positions. The change in thinking of the family members which one has
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Some of the Indian family business groups like GMR have taken the help of consultants in designing the business structure. GMR group has a family constitution incorporating the family's core values, code of conduct, ownership policies. Increasingly this will be the trend. The family constitution may not be a panacea for all the issues that may crop up but it provides a good framework for sorting out various issues. To summarise, the functioning of family owned companies (listed or unlisted) invariably will see the following trends: u Non-family member having as much chance as a family member in occupying top positions. u The younger family members spending time in various operations within the group before moving up in the management hierarchy. u Increased attention to succession planning and this will include both family and non family members. u Some family members leaving the group and branching out on their own not necessarily as a result of any conflict. This may be more out of desire to pursue different lines of business or to run the business without being part of the family or not happy with the pace of growth of the group. u Increased role of independent directors. This will happen in unlisted companies too. The success, however, of this initiative will depend upon how the independent directors assert themselves. As to how he overcame resistance to bringing in professional outsiders into the board, Mr. Krister Ahlstrom, the former CEO of his family's company The Ahlstrom Corporation said in an interview ,"I asked the family members if they were seriously ill, would they go to their relative who happens to be a notso- good country doctor or would they go to the best specialist in the country. The answer was obvious." There is no reason why the same should not happen in business.
B) There is an increasing trend in case of sales. C) Cash flow is coming from company operations. D) Cash flow is coming from company investing". only slightly about half of the respondents gave correct answer which was 'C'. There will be concerted efforts by companies to improve financial literacy right across the organisation.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy among the operational heads (other than finance) is rather low. Many companies have tried to bridge this gap with the aid of in-house programmes and by deputing their executives to outside programmes. Financial literacy has to and will get into the DNA of every employee particularly senior ones in the times to come. With the volatile situations organisations face, it will be foolhardy to look at any issue from the limited functional perspective. Mr. Karen Berman and Mr. Joe Knight along with Marshal Goldsmith School of Management administered a functional IQ test to random sample of 300 US managers. Many of them could not distinguish profit from cash. Many did not know the difference between income statement and balance sheet. To a question, "you should be pleased about your company's financial results if: A) There is a negative trend in operating margins.
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purchase actually decreased when it is engaged in otherwise positive corporate social responsibility activities. Here, consumers thought that the company has to give precedence to product quality. Many of the smaller and medium sized companies who do not have non-financial resources to engage in CSR activities will increasingly work with NGOs. This will have several implications. u Need to identify good NGOs. About 4 years back, the Confederation of Indian Industry, Karnataka started an initiative called Namma Halli (Our Village). The object was companies should be encouraged to adopt a few villages with contribution for this spread over a 3 year period. CII and the corporates wanted to be sure that the money would be well spent and to ensure this, there should be definite metrics to monitor. In came Srinivasan Services Trust who have done significant work in this field in a few states. With definite metrics and periodical reporting on the performance, the companies were convinced about the results of their CSR activities. u NGOs getting professionalized as they now have a wider playing field. u NGOs having in their board/advisory committee not just Good Samaritans but people with rich corporate experience. u CSR will not be just an item in the annual report. It is not the description of the activities that will count. Evaluation will be done if these have helped the society and have created value for the company.
Financial literacy among the operational heads (other than finance) is rather low. Many companies have tried to bridge this gap with the aid of in-house programmes and by deputing their executives to outside programmes. Financial literacy has to and will get into the DNA of every employee particularly senior ones in the times to come. With the volatile situations organisations face, it will be foolhardy to look at any issue from the limited functional perspective.
shell and be aloof from the operations of the business. This limits his knowledge of the various facets of the business and his usefulness in areas other than corporate laws . u Getting conversant with the nuances of Mergers and Acquisitions. Company secretaries will be increasingly asked to play a larger role in due diligence, documentation, approvals, representation before the authorities and see the closing of the deal. u Analysts call. This has become common for most of the listed companies, at least those actively traded. Ambitious and enterprising company secretary will in future play a more active role in preparation for the analysts call. u Ethics. Apart from Indian laws, subsidiaries of foreign companies have to contend with laws like USA's Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, 1977, UK Bribery Act, 2011. The parent company will be liable for the conduct of their subsidiaries and these laws prohibit facilitation payments unequivocally. Company secretaries will increasingly be called upon to monitor the ethical practices prevailing in the organisation. u Insider trading. Admittedly the punishment in India for insider trading is much lighter than, say, in US. But this is unlikely to continue. Violations will attract much stiffer penalties and possible imprisonment. The company secretary's mettle will be severely tested in the times to come. Will he prefer to overlook the insider trading by employees/promoters or take up fearlessly even if this can jeopardise his career? It will be a gross understatement to say that the changes in the way companies will function will be both interesting and challenging. Are we ready for this?
Sustainable development
As Mr.C.K. Prahalad wrote "there is no alternative to sustainable development". Companies like Unilever(and Hindustan Unilever) set sustainability targets and zealously monitor them. Not just in their manufacturing operations, the companies will increasingly evaluate the sustainability in their supply chains. FedEx even during the slow down were replacing its older aircrafts as this will reduce carbon footprint steeply. More and more questions will be asked in the public forum and in the board rooms of the companies (not just big ones) on resources they use and their sustainability.
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Rajkumar S. Adukia,
ACS Mumbai
rajkumarfca@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
he function of Company Secretary has changed beyond recognition over the last 31 years - since when the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) was converted into a statutory body w.e.f. 1.1.1981. While there are many aspects to this change, the one that is of foremost attention is a fundamental change in the functions of the board of directors which the company secretary serves. This is due to an attitudinal shift in the working of the corporates and the changing focus of business.
an attitudinal shift in the functioning of corporates. With the internationalization of cross-border portfolios, and the financial crisis that have occurred in many parts of the world, it is perhaps not surprising that institutional investors are increasingly looking more carefully at the non financial information of the company particularly the corporate governance practices and corporate social responsibility information of companies. Corporate governance goes hand in hand with increased transparency and accountability. This increased transparency and accountability would itself, lead to a better flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) and more stable financial markets.
Corporate scandals, global competition, Asian financial crisis and various domestic and international efforts have made corporate governance increasingly popular. Also, public awareness of the threat of climate change has risen sharply in the last couple of years and an increasing number of businesses, organizations and individuals are looking to minimize their impact on the climate. All these issues have led to
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Focus on Some Important
Knowledge of Investor Perception is important for a company because: u The perceptions of investors can influence the company's corporate strategy and the investment proposition u The insights measure the level of understanding of the company, gauge sentiment and highlight the degree of support u The feedback shapes, amends and reinforces the company's message to the market u The strategic findings of an annual investor perception study complement the tactical day-to-day feedback provided by corporate brokers u Listening and responding demonstrates awareness, responsibility and good corporate governance
INVESTOR PROTECTION
When investors finance firms, they typically obtain certain rights or powers. Creditors get the right to repossess collateral or to reorganize the firm that does not pay interest or that violates debt covenants. Shareholders get the right to vote on key corporate matters, to select directors, or to sue the directors and the firm. All outside investors, whether shareholders or creditors, also have the right to receive certain corporate information. Indeed, many other rights can only be exercised when they have such information. All non-controlling investors, large or small, shareholders or creditors, need their rights protected. Investor protection turns out to be crucial because, in many countries, exploitation of minority shareholders and creditors by the controlling shareholders is pervasive. When outside investors finance firms, they face a risk, and sometimes near certainty, that the returns on their investments will never materialize because the controlling shareholders or managers simply keep them. Corporate governance is, to a large extent, a set of mechanisms through which outside investors protect themselves against exploitation by the insiders.
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Corporate governance has become a key focus of investors and regulators in recent years. Director independence, audit processes and executive pay have become key drivers for assessing the robustness of a company's monitoring processes and its ability to prevent fraud and mismanagement - key indicators of portfolio risk for investors.
INVESTOR PROTECTION MEASURES
SEBI was established with the primary objective of protecting the interest of the investors in the securities market SEBI can issue directions to all intermediaries and other persons associated with the securities market in the interest of the investors or for orderly development of the securities market SEBI has notified the SEBI (Investor Protection and Education Fund) Regulations, 2009 with a view to strengthening its activities for investor protection. The fund shall be used for the following purposes:l Educational activities including seminars, training, research and publications, aimed at investors l Awareness programmes through media - print, electronic, aimed at investors l Funding investor education and awareness activities of investor associations recognized by the Board l Aiding investor associations recognized by the Board to undertake legal proceedings in the interest of investors in securities that are listed or proposed to be listed l Exchanges have set up an Investor Protection Fund (IPF) to meet the claims of investors against defaulter members l The Exchanges also assist in arbitration process between members and investors and members inter-se
SEBI and Stock Exchanges have set up investor grievance redressal cells for fast Redressal of investor complaints relating to securities markets SEBI has directed all the stock exchanges, registered brokers, sub-brokers, depositories and listed companies to
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make a provision for a special email ID of the grievance Redressal division/compliance officer for the purpose of registering complaints by the investors SEBI has set up a mechanism for redressal of investor grievances arising from the securities market SEBI provides "walk-in" service at its head office at Mumbai and its regional offices at New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad on all working days. Investors can meet the officials and get guidance relating to the grievances that they may have against issuers. Investors can also meet the higher officials of SEBI on specified working days. c.
directors' responsibility statement in the directors' report under Section 217(2AA), constitution of audit committee under Section 292A fixing maximum ceiling on remuneration that can be drawn by a director under Schedule XIII, and those relating to oppression, mismanagement, etc. Further, environmental and other pieces of legislation also protect different stakeholders' interest, ensuring, in the process, good corporate governance. The Listing Agreement and Clause 49 of Listing Agreement deals with Corporate Governance norms that a listed entity should follow. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Information Many social and environmental issues present material risks for companies, therefore disclosing CSR information on stakeholder relations, including work force, community and environment is the need of the hour. Information on human rights policies, corporate environmental performance, corporate philanthropy, diversity policies, human resource development: these may all be important indicators of corporate value. Advocates of greater non financial reporting often stress that poor management of these issues presents risks to corporate reputation or carries litigation risk. Others suggest that sound management of these issues can be a proxy for good management and an indicator of intangible value. By disclosing CSR Information, companies permit investors to assess these risks and opportunities, permitting greater insight into intangible value.
There is growing awareness of the importance of non financial information for investment decisions. Investor attitudes are likely to change over time, as certain types of information become more available and reliable, and more tools become available to provide quantitative assessments of the impact of non financial performance on corporate performance or company value.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Corporate governance has evolved and grown significantly in the last decade. Numerous countries have issued corporate governance codes, and have undoubtedly contributed towards increased transparency and disclosure. Corporate governance is fundamental to well-run companies that have controls in place to ensure that individuals or groups connected with the company do not adversely influence the company and its activities and that assets or profits are not used for the benefit of a select group to the disadvantage of the majority. Also, independent directors are key to bringing new insights to the business and helping with its development. The principles of Governance have been in existence for centuries. History reveals that Kautilya also called Chanakya in 300 BC propounded principles of good governance. In his celebrated treatise on statecraft "Arthashastra", he provided principles of governance. He states the fourfold duty of a King as: Raksha (Protection), Vriddhi (Enhancement), Palana
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Ethical and disciplined corporate behavior Independent and considered judgment Parity between accountability and responsibility Transparency and effective and adequate disclosures Success of a good governance culture depends upon the perpetual existence and effective and, most important, ethical interplay of these planks not only by themselves, but also with other variables in the social and economic environment (i.e., the stakeholders) of the company
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), identifies the following key elements of good corporate governance: l The rights and obligations of shareholders l Equitable treatment of shareholders l The role of stakeholders and corporate governance l Transparency, disclosure of information and audit l The Board of Directors l Non-executive members of the board l Executive management, compensation and performance
A strong governance record creates a positive impression in the minds of investors and other members of the financial community. However, sophisticated the markets, reputation and trust are crucial. A company's reputation and image constitute an integral, if intangible, part of its assets.
of the organisation(s). While the literature is not decisive on whether corporate governance directly improves organisational outcomes, corporate governance should be invested in wisely and carefully. Some level of corporate governance is required to ensure an acceptable level of stakeholder confidence in an organisation's ability to identify and achieve outcomes that its stakeholders value. The larger the organisation, the greater the need for more sophisticated corporate governance processes. A corporate governance framework can help to determine the optimum level of corporate governance process. Although some organisations have strategies for corporate governance, few have overt frameworks that bring together all elements of corporate governance in a consistent way. Most organisations with corporate governance frameworks have frameworks that are structurally based. These consist of structures for addressing corporate governance issues (e.g. boards and committees), and appropriate methods of managing those structures (e.g. board size, composition and practices). There are no known precedents in either the public or private sector, of corporate governance frameworks that apply across two or more organisations. For a corporate governance framework to be successfully communicated to, and used by, a broad range of stakeholders, a clear definition of corporate governance and a visual metaphor that illustrates the components of corporate governance and how they fit together are necessary.
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training can be held by specialist organizations. Secondly, every year, there should be a peer evaluation for each member of the board. 2. Increased accountability to shareholders Shareholders must actively step up as owners, and engage directors on corporate issues. Independent directors, in general, and chairmen of all committees, in particular, must participate more actively in annual general meetings, by owning up to their board decisions and answering shareholder queries. 3. Creating a mindset that decency and honesty pays Good governance requires a mindset within the corporation which integrates the corporate code of ethics into the day-to-day activities of its managers and workers. Corporations must integrate their value systems into their recruitment programs. Compliance with the value system should be a key requirement from each potential employee. Corporations must reinforce exemplary ethical conduct among employees, through reward and recognition programs. Ethical standards and best practices must be applied fairly and uniformly across all levels of the organization. Any non-compliance must be swiftly dealt with. Additionally, there should be strong whistleblower mechanisms within the corporation for exposing unethical or illegal activities. Every employee has to appreciate that the future of the corporation is safe only if he / she does the right thing in every transaction. 4. Lead by Example Corporate leaders are powerful role models. Every employee watches them carefully and imitates them. Corporate leaders wear a badge of increased distinction and responsibility - Peter Drucker. 5. CEOs must follow simple business rules Great corporate leaders are expert simplifiers. They operate on simple business rules. Such rules are easy to understand, easy to follow and easy to communicate. Without exception, every corporation that violated basic governance principles did so by creating a web of complex and confusing rules. 6. Ensure 'responsible governance' Corporations must ensure that incentives for senior management and board members are effectively aligned with responsible governance and long-term corporate health. The pay of principal officers must be directly linked with overall performance covering all functions of the corporation - operational health and efficiency, client and employee satisfaction, and shareholder value.
Corporate Social Responsibility can be defined as the corporate initiative to assess and take responsibility for the company's effects on the environment and impact on social welfare. The term generally applies to company efforts that go beyond what may be required by regulators or environmental protection groups. It can also be referred to as corporate citizenship that involves incurring short-term costs that do not provide an immediate financial benefit to the company, but instead promote positive social and environmental change. Organizations in the present world cannot be successful without taking into account the social responsibility. CSR has been a vital component for any organization to have perpetual success and to create brand. The three pillars of CSR are environment, society and commerce. Together, these create long-term sustainable development. However, CSR is still voluntary and it is not mandatory in India. CSR has become increasingly prominent in the Indian corporate scenario because organizations have realized that besides growing their businesses it is also vital to build trustworthy and sustainable relationships with the community at large. This is one of the key drivers of CSR programs. Corporates like the Tata Group, the Aditya Birla Group, and Indian Oil Corporation, to name a few, have been involved in serving the community ever since their inception. Many other organizations have been doing their part for the society through donations and charity events. CSR Programs could range from overall development of a community to supporting specific causes like education, environment, healthcare etc. Many CSR initiatives are executed by corporates in partnership with Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who are well versed in working with the local communities and are experts in tackling specific social problems.
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CSR has become increasingly prominent in the Indian corporate scenario because organizations have realized that besides growing their businesses it is also vital to build trustworthy and sustainable relationships with the community at large. This is one of the key drivers of CSR programs.
reasons on failure of implementation. The Board's report should disclose the composition of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee. The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee shall formulate and recommend to the Board, a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy which shall indicate the activities to be undertaken by the company as specified in Schedule VII; recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on the activities referred to above and monitor the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of the company from time to time. The Board of every company after taking into account the recommendations made by the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, approve the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy for the company and disclose contents of such Policy in its report and also place it on the company's website, if any, in such manner as may be prescribed and ensure that the activities as are included in Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of the company are undertaken by the company. The Board should make every endeavour to ensure that the company spends, in every financial year, at least two per cent of the average net profits of the company made during the three immediately preceding financial years, in pursuance of its Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. If the company fails to spend such amount, the Board shall, in its report specify the reasons for not spending the amount. Some of the activities which may be included by companies in their Corporate Social Responsibility Policies (Schedule VII) are: Activities relating to:(i) eradicating extreme hunger and poverty; (ii) promotion of education; (iii) promoting gender equality and empowering women; (iv) reducing child mortality and improving maternal health; (v) combating human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, malaria and other diseases; (vi) ensuring environmental sustainability; (vii) employment enhancing vocational skills; (viii) social business projects; (ix) contribution to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund or any other fund set up by the Central Government or the State Governments for socioeconomic development and relief and funds for the welfare of the Scheduled Castes, the
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Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes, minorities and women; and such other matters as may be prescribed.
THE NATIONAL VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF BUSINESS, 2011
The National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2011 are a refinement over the Corporate Social Responsibility Voluntary Guidelines 2009, released by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in December 2009. Keeping in view the feedback from stakeholders, it was decided to revise the same with a more comprehensive set of guidelines that encompasses social, environmental and economical responsibilities of business. The Guidelines emphasize that businesses have to endeavor to become responsible actors in society, so that their every action leads to sustainable growth and economic development. Accordingly, the Guidelines use the terms 'Responsible Business' instead of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as the term 'Responsible Business' encompasses the limited scope and understanding of the term CSR. A separate chapter on reporting has been included in these Guidelines so that the business entities are not only able to adopt the Guidelines but also to demonstrate the adoption to their stakeholders through credible reporting and disclosures. The reporting framework is designed on the 'Apply-or-Explain' principle which is also the fundamental basis of these Guidelines. The suggested framework takes into account the requirements of the business entities that are already reporting in other recognized frameworks as well as those which yet do not have the capacity to undertake full reporting. The Guidelines take into account the learnings from various international and national good practices, norms and frameworks, and provide a distinctively 'Indian' approach, which will enable businesses to balance and work through the many unique requirements of our land. By virtue of these Guidelines being derived out of the unique challenges of the Indian economy and the Indian nation, they take cognizance of the fact that all agencies need to collaborate together, to ensure that businesses flourish, even as they contribute to the wholesome and inclusive
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an addition to the UNFCCC treaty. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan, on 11 December 1997 and entered into force on 16 February 2005. Currently, there are 193 Parties to the Kyoto Protocol to the UNFCCC. The major feature of the Kyoto Protocol is that it assigns mandatory targets for 37 industrialized nations and the European Community to reduce their emission of the specified 6 greenhouse gases (GHGs). These amount to an average of five per cent against 1990 levels over the five-year period 2008-2012, the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. At the UNFCCC's Conference of the Parties 17th Session in Durban, governments of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol decided that a second commitment period, from 2013 onwards, would seamlessly follow the end of the first commitment period. The length of the second commitment period is to be determined: it will be either five or eight years long. India signed UNFCCC on 10th June 1992 and ratified it on 1st November 1993. India acceded to the Kyoto Protocol on 26th August 2002. Under the UNFCCC, developing countries such as India do not have binding GHG mitigation commitments in recognition of their small contribution to the greenhouse problem as well as low financial and technical capacities. The Ministry of Environment and Forests is the nodal agency for climate change issues in India.
CARBON CREDITS
Carbon credits are the key component of the national and international emissions trading schemes that have been implemented to mitigate global warming - particularly the international treaty -- the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the addition to the treaty : the Kyoto Protocol, which has more powerful (and legally binding) measures. Carbon credits are certificates issued to Countries that reduce their emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) which cause Global Warming. It is like a Permit that allows an entity to emit a specified amount of Greenhouse Gases. Credits can be exchanged between businesses or bought and sold in international markets at the prevailing market price. Credits can be used to finance carbon reduction schemes between trading partners and around the world. They provide a way to reduce greenhouse effect emissions on an industrial scale by capping total annual emissions and letting the market assign a monetary value to any shortfall through trading. Countries acceding to the Kyoto Protocol exercise two ways to reduce emissions. One, it can reduce the GHG (Greenhouse Gases) by adopting new technology or improving upon the existing technology to attain the new norms for emission of gases.
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Or it can tie up with developing nations and help them set up new technology that is eco-friendly, thereby helping developing country or its companies 'earn' credits. These credits are bought over by the companies of developed countries.
sectors (e.g. mining, manufacturing, transportation), themes (climate change, community cohesion, natural resource management) and scale (local, regional, national, international). The elusive goal of sustainable development, or sustainability as it is also called, is to make decisions and carry out programs and projects in a manner that maximizes benefits to the natural environment and humans and their cultures and communities, while maintaining or enhancing financial viability.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING
Sustainability, in general terms, is the ability to maintain balance of a certain process or state in any system. It is now most frequently used in connection with biological and human systems. Concerns about climate change have made sustainability a mainstream issue. Never before have the capital markets been so interested in how companies are approaching the challenges and opportunities associated with the environment, societal change and governance. Sustainability Reporting has become mainstream, driven by the potential business value generated through enhanced stakeholder reporting and communication. International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) observes that the recognition governments and many organizations have given to sustainability and sustainable developments are changing business culture and society. The global challenge is to ensure that organizations' sustainable development practices (a) reverse the previous erosion of natural resources, and (b) improve their environmental, social, and economic performance. This requires radical changes in the way we do business and the way we live our lives. Although many organizations aspire to being responsible, few could claim to be truly sustainable.
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for future generations. The 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro popularized the phrase sustainable development even as the definition of the term remained vague. The term was used by the Brundtland Commission which coined what has become the most oftenquoted definition of sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The many definitions and frameworks of sustainable development that now exist share a number of basic principles including: l Concern for the well-being of future generations l Awareness of the multi-dimensional impacts of any decision (broadly categorized as economic, environmental, social) and l The need for balance among the different dimensions across
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reporting framework is developed through a consensus-seeking process with participants drawn globally from business, civil society, labor, and professional institutions. To help improve sustainability reporting, many organizations have turned to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as the quasistandard setter for sustainability reporting. To date, thousands of organizations in the auto, utility, consumer products, pharmaceuticals, financial, telecommunications, transport, energy and chemicals sectors, among others, in addition to public authorities and non-profits, have published reports that adopt part or all of the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. The 2008 KPMG International Survey of Corporate Responsibility Reporting is a comprehensive look at the trends in the world's largest companies. It shows that corporate responsibility reporting (which covers all forms of sustainability reporting) is mainstream with nearly 80 per cent of the largest 250 companies worldwide issuing reports (but with only 4 per cent integrating corporate responsibility information into their annual reports). The survey also usefully provides good practices in corporate responsibility (sustainability) reporting and shows which reporting standards and guidelines are used by companies. More than three-quarters of the Global Fortune 250 and 69 percent of the largest companies by revenue follow the GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. GRI is an independent, global organization that is a collaborating centre of UNEP. The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for the GRI. GRI is governed through a multistakeholder governance structure of: l Board of Directors, who have fiduciary, financial, legal, and overall strategic responsibilities for GRI l Stakeholder Council, an advisory group on broad policy issues l Technical Advisory Committee, an advisory group on technical issues
Organizational Stakeholders, who support GRI's mission, elect the Stakeholder Council and contribute to annual budget and l International Secretariat, based in Amsterdam, who implements the work plan of the Board. Between 1997 to mid-2002, GRI was a project of CERES and the UNEP. In 2002 GRI incorporated as an independent non-profit in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
l
The Boston-based non-profit CERES (Ceres (pronounced "series") is a national network of investors, environmental organizations and other public interest groups working with companies and investors to address sustainability challenges such as global climate change.
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Pramod S. Shah,
FCS
pramodshah361@gmail.com
P
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rofessionals, Institutions like banks, various government authorities and principally corporates themselves are the essential cogs in the smooth functioning of the corporate world. Corporate Governance being an extensively researched and debated subject in India in the recent years, it is but apparent that a shift is warranted in the attitude in the whole structure of the corporate world.
business environment where market discipline ensures the survival of fittest. Moreover, mismanagement also leads to corporate failure. Predicting corporate failure is based on the premise that there are identifiable patterns or symptoms consistent for all failed firms. In recent years, the responsibility for developing and implementing processes to promote and sustain good corporate governance has fallen largely within the remit of the company secretary. The company secretary is well versed with all the laws of the land and can guide the corporate world in the various ventures that it wishes to undertake; keeping its activities within the ambit of the law. The Company Secretary's role as a Compliance Officer should not be stagnant but dynamic to accommodate all the changes that constantly take place. He can be of assistance to the Board of Directors right from preparing minutes of a meeting to managing amalgamations, takeovers, etc. A Company Secretary cannot turn a blind eye to the functioning of the Board of Directors. He is a beacon that should shine and give directions to the Board. He should be aware of all the provisions, rules, regulations, amendments of law and be aware of the consequences of noncompliances and should make the Board aware that their actions
The responsibility of bringing about an attitudinal change in the functioning of the corporate world cannot be the prerogative of just one entity; it is the collective efforts of all concerned to take the initiative and follow the doctrines of Corporate Governance. The major issue that arises in the present times relate to the principles which determine corporate successes and failures; that is why some organization prosper and grow while others collapse. Corporate failures are common in competitive
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could be fatal to the health of the Company in the long run. He should adhere to the strict timeframes and not circumvent any of the provisions of the law. His endeavour should be such that a system is developed that the Company automatically carries out all compliances on a continuous basis. The most effective company secretary is one who is regarded by the Board as its trusted adviser and who keeps under review legislative, regulatory and governance developments that may impact the company and ensures that the board is appropriately briefed on them; wins the confidence of and acts as a confidential sounding board to the chairman and other directors on issues of concern; and provides, where appropriate, a discreet but challenging voice in relation to board deliberations and decision making, drawing in particular on his professional experience and historical knowledge of the company. A company appointing a Company Secretary should understand that it should not merely appoint a Company Secretary to fulfil the requirements of law but make use of the expertise of a Company Secretary to actually further the growth of the organisation. There are so many entities that do not understand the importance of a qualified Company Secretary and approach the professionals as and when contraventions of the provisions of the laws take place. How many Companies in India appoint a whole time Company Secretary despite having a paid up capital of INR five hundred crores?
A company appointing a Company Secretary should understand that it should not merely appoint a Company Secretary to fulfil the requirements of law but make use of the expertise of a Company Secretary to actually further the growth of the organisation. There are so many entities that do not understand the importance of a qualified Company Secretary and approach the professionals as and when contraventions of the provisions of the laws take place.
principles underlying these doctrines are ethical approach - culture, society, organisational paradigm; balanced objectives congruence of goals of all interested parties; each party plays his part - roles of key players: owners/ directors/ staff; decision-making process in place - reflecting the first three principles and giving due weight to all stakeholders; equal concern for all stakeholders albeit some have greater weight than others; accountability and transparency - to all stakeholders. Significant government action is needed to improve the enforcement and surveillance functions of regulators in India. Incentive of committing/abetting a fraud is greater than the disincentive of being caught for companies as well as promoters and other financial service providers. Governments have significant interaction with the community, with a significant proportion of this conducted through statutory authorities and office holders. This is particularly so in the areas of taxation, regulation and the provision of services. The role of government is itself a defining factor in establishing appropriate governance arrangements for statutory authorities. Governments are held accountable by the electorate for the performance of government as a whole. Therefore the government should understand the logistics and frame laws keeping these in mind. In the current national and international context, there is a requirement for simplifying corporate laws so that they are amenable to clear interpretation and provide a framework that would facilitate faster economic growth. It is also increasingly being recognized that the framework for regulation of corporate entities
Role of Regulators
Companies need to understand that following the doctrines of corporate governance will help them to prosper in the long run. The
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has to be in tune with the emerging economic scenario, encourage good corporate governance and enable protection of the interests of the investors and other stakeholders. In the competitive and technology driven business environment, while corporates require greater autonomy of operation and opportunity for self-regulation with optimum compliance costs, there is a need to bring about transparency through better disclosures and greater responsibility on the part of corporate owners and managements for improved compliance.
consider the stakeholder's wealth as their own. This requires attitudinal shift. Corporate inc. should get out of this disgusting thinking. One set of society who can help people get out of this thinking are the professionals. This requires the professional to adapt themselves to new set of thinking. They are the competent persons who can create and lead the new wave of thinking. Company Secretaries can play a vital role as they are the one's who are closer to the board of directors.
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active role in the governance of their portfolio companies. c. Governance-related reform efforts that initially focused on financial institutions have fuelled reform efforts targeted also at non-financial institutions. Policy makers can use the momentum created by the financial crisis to address corporate governance problems that prevail more generally. d. There has been a recent international convergence in thinking about corporate governance problems and remedies, which to a large extent has been driven by multilateral financial reform efforts, such as those of the G20. International standard setting bodies can promote convergence by designing principlesbased guidance that is globally applicable but can be implemented in particular national and regional contexts. e. While the primary targets of governance related financial reform efforts are financial institutions in developed countries, there is the recognition that the governance principles being promoted are applicable to corporations operating in emerging markets. In tailoring reforms for their own markets, policy makers in emerging markets should take into account certain factors, such as concentrated ownership, rights of minority shareholders, problems in enforcement regimes, and the important role of the state as owner. f. Several national corporate governance reform efforts are, for the first time, using the language of 'sustainability' and 'stakeholder governance'. There is a need to transform the concept of 'sustainability' into more concrete measures of corporate performance and embed sustainability into a new model of 'stakeholder governance'. The key points of interest in corporate governance therefore include issues of 1) transparency and accountability, 2)the legal and regulatory environment, 3)appropriate risk management measures, and 4) information flows and the responsibility of senior management and the board of directors.
have come to recognize that environmental, social, and governance responsibilities of a company are integral to its performance and long-term sustainability. Today, these concerns help determine profits. For companies to operate successfully and sustain growth, boards must incorporate these new dimensions into their core decision making processes. Corporate governance refers to the way that Boards oversee the running of a company by its managers, and how Board members are held accountable to shareowners and the company. This has implications for company behaviour not only to shareowners but also to employees, customers, those financing the company, and other stakeholders, including the communities in which the business operates. Research shows that responsible management of environmental, social and governance issues creates a business ethos and environment that builds both a company's integrity within society and the trust of its shareowners. The argument that India's growth acceleration can be attributed more to the attitudinal shifts of the government than to substantial policy moves has interested not only India observers but a wider audience as well, and has been influential in the literature on the political economy of economic growth. the'attitudinal shift' story of India's economic growth seems to suggest that informal institutional change related to changes in attitudes and beliefs may be sufficient to ignite economic growth without any need for significant changes in formal institutionschanges in the actual rules of the game such as reforms in laws and regulations that influence economic activity. we re-examine the 'attitudinal shift' argument, paying particular attention to the causal mechanisms that may link the shifts in attitudes and beliefs of the government and the business sector to economic growth.
Research shows that responsible management of environmental, social and governance issues creates a business ethos and environment that builds both a company's integrity within society and the trust of its shareowners.
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and the confidence needed to handle higher responsibilities. It is only the sense of belonging towards the organisation that will create among employees a moral responsibility to groom their juniors to take up higher responsibilities. Their scope of work also needs to be expanded before they are moved up the corporate ladder. However, leave alone the employees in managerial positions, how many of the CEOs are serious enough to ensure that right person occupies their seat when they call it a day. As per the current and established practices, successors are chosen from (a) within the company,(b) sister concern of the same business house,(c) talented employees from rival organisations or the newly acquired company,(d) old employees earlier lost to rival companies, and (e) experts from abroad (foreigners as well as expatriates) brought in on very special assignments on contract for a specific purpose and period. Finding a successor from within ones own company is desired and possible with a few ifs and buts. If the company is technology-driven and has developed a unique culture of ethical practices and cohesive relations, no other person but a talented employee from within, who is groomed in such a culture and has a vision for future technological directions for the company can be the right navigator. Responsibility of choosing the right person from within squarely lies on the board. It follows then that the members of the board have to be sufficiently familiar with the organisational culture and most importantly, the talented employees below the CEO level. The board should not focus only on a single individual but a couple of senior employees with good potential. This will give them a scope to choose the most eligible candidate. The need of the hour will decide this eligibility. It could be technological adeptness, expertise in managing financial crisis or changing organizational culture. There have been instances of a high potential candidate having been sidelined due to a mismatch of chemistry with the outgoing CEO or the board members. It is difficult to weed out such subjectivity in succession management. Organisations cannot depend merely upon insiders. They have to work out the right mix of insiders and outsiders. After all, fresh blood is also required to stimulate new thinking and doing things differently. A public sector steel company deliberately brought in most of the heads of departments from outside with just this view when they set up their green field plant. Strategic changes in business models, diversified growth cannot take place without fresh approaches to established, age-old practices. The point to be driven home is that the board has to keep all options open in order to protect the organisational interests; short term as well as long term. Family-managed businesses is a case by itself. Due to various reasons, the owner may not find the right successor. He has no other option but to groom one of his talented employees to be the successor because of his experience and familiarity with the business. In both family-managed as well as professionally managed businesses, nurturing talent and providing good growth
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opportunities to employees is absolutely essential. Nothing motivates a professional more than an opportunity to gain new knowledge coupled with empowerment. Progression management automatically makes succession management smooth and spontaneous.
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company. a. It is highly respected by all stakeholders. b. There is sound confidence in the company by its investors in all times good or bad. c. Foreign and overseas investors look to the company for future investments and collaborations. d. There is confidence that the financial and other resources will be put to the best use by the company thus adding to the wealth of the shareholders in the long run. e. Shareholders would like to stay investment and add to their portfolio's if there is transparency and full accountability by the management. f. The company is considered a low risk investment by all stakeholders. g. The company is able to negotiate the best commercial terms with its suppliers and vendors. h. Customers commit themselves to the products of the company with full confidence and comfort about the product quality and service. 7. Good governance displays companies commitment and sound and transparent administrative policies. 8. Sound corporate governance would have prevented corporate disasters like. Lehman Brothers US - 2008, Enron-2002, Worldcom-2002, ANG Baring Bank-1998, Satyam-2009 9. A McKinsey survey of 2000 observes as under. a. Good governance = Good business management. b. Investors pay premium for well governed companies. c. Board practices = Financial performance. d. Good management = Enhancement of Shareholder value. e. Good management practices = pre-empts shareholder activism. 10. There is a strong correlation between long term economic potential for both a country and a company based on the quality of management and governance practices it is reputed for. 11. Board of directors with strong independent directors on board build a reputation of quality management decisions in the interest of the company, its employees, and all stakeholders. 12. Studies show that there are seven characteristics of good governance. l There is strong corporate discipline followed by both the Board and Senior management. l There is transparency with free, frank and fearless decision making process. l There is independence with the organisation which minimises political influences of any kind in the decision making process. l There is responsibility and accountability of the Board and Management to all its employees and stakeholders. l There is fairness in the decision making and the manner of doing business. l There is a strong commitment to the community and the company does a lot of corporate social responsibility programs which enhances both community and
shareholder value. The company is a preferred employer for all aspiring prospective employees. 13. Good governance is talked, read and spoken about in the community. In fact business schools and other educational institutions take these as examples in form of case studies and are able to make strong impressions in the minds of the young and talented student community. They indirectly create a sense of good values that gets imbibed in these bright young members of the community. 14. Poor governance can lead to a destruction of shareholder value as in Satyam and many other cases. 15. Everybody respects an organisation and a Board that walks the talk. It leads to a strong character building amongst the organisation that has a direct impact on the community it serves.
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Attitudinal Shift in the functioning of Corporates and Company Secretaries An Analytical Review with Future Perspective
the meeting. A Company Secretary has to ensure that the Memorandum and Articles of Association is properly complied with. In case any amendments are issued, they have to make sure that they are implemented in the right manner. The Company Secretary has to make sure that company complies with the Yellow Book requirements and it properly implements the model code and/or company code regarding the company's securities. He/she has to maintain relations with Stock Exchange through company's brokers and he/she is responsible for relaying information regarding the company to the market. He/She is responsible for maintaining the statutory registers regarding the members, company charges, directors and secretary, directors' interests in shares and debentures, interests in voting shares and debenture holders. The Company Secretary is responsible for filing annual reports, amended Memorandum and Articles of Association, return of allotments, notices of appointments, removal and resignation of directors and the secretary, notices of removal or resignation of the auditors, change of registered office and resolutions in accordance with the Companies Act with the Registrar of Companies. Also responsible for the publication of the company's annual report and accounts. They have to maintain the company's register of members, deal with questions of the shareholders and transfer of share-holding etc. They have to regularly communicate with shareholders - both individual and institutional -- through circulars and notices, and ensure the payment of dividends and interest. They have to keep an eye on register of members in case any stakeholder is aiming at taking over the company. Company Secretary to play a key role in implementing acquisitions, disposals and mergers. They have to make sure that proper documentation is in place and proper commercial evaluation is done. Apart from the above the Company Secretary is supposed to get familiar with Information Technology, Cyber Laws, IPR, Taxation, Transfer Pricing and all other Corporate Laws/Commercial & Labour Laws.
safeguards in place to prevent insider trading by such employees directly or indirectly. The Company Secretary is thus called upon not only to establish and run requisite framework within the organisation but also to demonstrate to the Client as to how exactly it works and is competent enough to prevent any unjust enrichment by the employees at the cost of general shareholder in view of their advantageous position of being privy to inside information. The framework has to work in a manner that it creates awareness to the new employee right from the day of induction wherein he is required to sign-off a sensitisation cum disclosure undertaking to periodic sign-offs. The Client(s) may also mandate that any transaction in share market by such employees has to be preapproved by them and call upon the Company to submit the demat account particulars of employees so deployed on Client project. The Company Secretary has to ensure that all such mechanisms are put in place and test them periodically to ascertain the efficacy of the same besides regular monitoring.
Role of Company Secretary in developing, implementing and running a vibrant compliance program in the organisation
Quality certifications are need of the hour for any sustainable business, ISO certification is the most prominent among them. Moreover such quality affirmations are pre-requisites by many global giants prior to engaging any overseas vendor as its process outsourcing partner. Statutory Compliance program is a key prerequisite for any organisation to procure any such certifications. The Company Secretary being the compliance officer is the person who has to drive this initiative within the organisation. A robust compliance program may run in the following manner: l Developing compliance check-lists for each of the departments within the organisation l Sensitising the Departmental heads about these check-lists and making them owners of their respective compliance check-lists l Seeking quarterly compliance affirmations from such
Role of Company Secretary in ensuring requisite safegaurds for prevention of insider trading
The global giants lay heavy emphasis on prevention of insider trading. It has become all the more important in view of certain recent developments and conviction in such cases. The ITES companies have their employees based in Client locations or are constantly in touch with their internal developments thus making them privy to confidential price sensitive unpublished information. The Clients thus warrant the ITES companies to have strong
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departmental heads Reviewing the departmental quarterly compliance check-lists and identifying lapses or non-compliances therein and reporting it to the Board of Directors in the form of quarterly CEO/CFO certificate
blowers. Besides, an auditor should not be allowed to continue for more than three years with a Company. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs in consultation with ICAI, ICSI and ICWAI should create a pool of independent directors from amongst citizens of high integrity and prescribe for them adequate remuneration. Cross-directorships must be banned. All agent employments must be thoroughly scrutinized. Penalties must be made stiffer. The conviction rate in corporate frauds, currently under a pathetic 5 per cent, must be improved. The law and administration should come down heavily on breach of trust and fraud. If an auditor fails in his duty in India, he now faces a ridiculous penalty of Rs 10,000 and a maximum of 2 years imprisonment, whereas the US Sarbanes-Oxley Act prescribes imprisonment for 20 years. The US has greatly improved fraud detection by reforming audit methods and offering incentives to whistle-blowers. We must learn from all this and acknowledge that deregulation promoted in the name of 'trusting' CEOs and creating a 'favourable investment climate' is dangerous. Companies like Satyam indulge in the following activities that come under the ambit of unethical practice: a) Resorting to dishonesty, trickery or deception. b) Distortion of facts with a view to misleading or creating confusion. c) Manipulating executives emotionally by exploiting their vulnerabilities. d) Resorting to profiteering due to excessive greed. e) Over invoicing through false documents to show higher profits. f) Using political clout to avoid penalty or compensation for unlawful act. g) Lack of transparency and avoiding investigation. h) Damaging the environment by violating the government prescribed norms for pollution. i) Resorting to money laundering. j) Diverting through foul means from a public limited company to family-owned concerns. k) Abusing the legally constituted institutions such as boards of directors, auditors and independent directors to achieve nefarious ends. Business houses that comply with ethics to determine their conduct are increasingly becoming rarer. On the other hand, ethical organizations now recognize the positive effects and outcomes of being ethical, humane and considerate. Because of these virtues, they earn a competitive edge in the market, because of the honesty they show in their services. Their morally upright reputation attracts better employees and helps in their retention. Though ethics may be legally imposed in most cases, self-monitoring, transparency and accountability will ensure earning the trust of the people. Besides this, it makes sense to amend, before one is penalized. We need to create an environment which adheres to strictest philosophies of clean, transparent, and honest business. Corporate scams and frauds committed against unwary investors
This quarterly compliance certification is an important aspect of the Corporate Governance structure of the organisation. Studies world over have shown that companies with strong corporate governance practices are relatively sustainable and are viewed by the investors more favourably and find it easier to attract investors, business and thus growth. Thus the Company Secretary in this role contributes the most towards the sustainability of the organisation and the challenge does not end with implementing the check-lists, the bigger challenge lies in successfully running it. With laws across the globe becoming more and more dynamic with every passing moment, the Company Secretary has to ensure that every check-list is not only up-to-date but all these changes have been conveyed across the organisation in terms of simple to understand action items, so that the persons entrusted with ensuring those compliances can comprehend and do what is expected of them.
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Attitudinal Shift in the functioning of Corporates and Company Secretaries An Analytical Review with Future Perspective
have been a regular and almost an annual feature in India. But the scale, magnitude, the reach and impact that the Satyam scam had created is unparalleled in the corporate history of India, and as some keen corporate observers point out, the world itself. That the reckless and 'couldn't- care-less' swindlers were operating with impunity within the Company for so long, notwithstanding the army of professional managers, internal auditors, and independentdirectors dominated board of directors, the market regulator SEBI, the Company Law Board, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the system of jurisprudence only go to show with what great disdain the scamsters looked at all these institutions and authorities. There is a perception that most Indian, especially the first generation promoters hardly make a distinction between a proprietary enterprise and a public limited company in terms of their rights and privileges and the corresponding responsibilities and accountability. It is a fact "that a vast majority of Indian corporations are controlled by promoter families which while owning a negligible proportion of share capital in their companies, rule them as if they are their personal Property". The idea of a corporation, and the values and principles that should guide its governance have hardly been imbibed by these promoters. Besides, the growth of corporate culture, not only was implanted much later in India than in the Western countries, but also checkmated by the very same forces that make the emergence of ethical business a difficult proposition in the Indian context. A lax administration, ill-equipped regulatory system and terribly delayed justice delivery process only make things easier for the corporate crooks to make a killing. It is not our case that there are more crooks in the Indian corporate world than found elsewhere, but the overall system here is so conducive and even attractive for them to flourish, rather than make lives difficult for them to continue their trail of crimes.
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(and subtle) warning signs of business trouble is a surefire way to end up on the wrong side of the business survival statistics. What is the business survival rate? Statistically, roughly 66 percent of new businesses survive two years or more, 50 percent survive four years or more, and 40 percent survive six years or more, according to the study "Redefining Small Business Success" by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Further, companies that have employees (instead of one-man shops), college-educated owners, and those that have good financing tend to survive longer. Also supported by the numbers in the study, manufacturers overall have a better chance of staying alive compared to service and retail firms. Some of the common cause for failures could be listed as under: 1. Failure to understand your market, your customers, and your customers' buying habits. Two easy questions: Who are your customers? And why do they spend their money with you? You should be able to clearly answer in one or two sentences. Customers are the only people that put money in your account. Without them, you will not survive. 2. Choosing a business that isn't very profitable. Even though you generate lots of activity, the profits never materialize to the extent necessary to sustain an on-going company. We all learned the dot-com (obvious) lesson that to survive, you must have positive cash flow. It takes more than a good idea and passion to stay in business. 3. Failure to understand and communicate what you are selling. You must clearly define your value proposition. What do you do that can help or benefit me? Once you understand it, ask yourself if you are communicating it effectively. Does your market connect with what you are saying? 4. Inadequate financing. Cash is king. If you don't have enough cash to carry you through the sales cycles and downward trends, your prospects for success are not good. When businesses go looking for lenders to provide that cash, they quickly find that funding sources are finicky and difficult to please. 5. Failure to anticipate or react to competition, technology, or other changes in the marketplace. It is dangerous to assume that what you have done in the past will always work. Challenge the factors that led to your success. Do you still do things the same way despite new market demands and changing times? What is your competition doing differently? What new technology is available? Those who fail to do this end up obsolete. 6. Overdependence on a single customer. Pay attention to your revenue sources. If you have a customer that is providing a majority of your income, ask yourself what would happen if they left or went out of business. Where would you be? Whenever you have one customer so big that losing them would mean closing up shop, watch out. Having a large base of small customers is a safer bet. 7. Failure to define your product/service offering. Trying to do everything for everyone is a sure road to failure. Spreading yourself too thin diminishes quality. The market pays excellent rewards for excellent results. Excellent results come from doing
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what you do and doing it well over and over again. 8. Keeping your house in order. Slow and steady wins every time. It's hard to believe that too much business can destroy you. To serve your customers well you have to focus on quality, delivery, follow-thru, and follow-up. 9. Poor management. Management of a business encompasses a number of activities: planning, organizing, controlling, directing and communicating. The cardinal rule of small business management is to know exactly where you stand at all times. A common problem faced by successful companies is growing beyond management resources or skills. 10. Lack of planning. If you don't know where you are going, you will never get there. No clear picture of success will lead to status quo or worse. To grow and be successful you have to actively work on your business.
With the view to tightening regulations and ensuring regulatory compliance, so as to studiously avoid the recurrence of scams like Satyam's, the Indian capital market regulator SEBI should follow two distinct approaches - a preventive one or a palliative approach. Palliative measures should aim at detecting similar cases by introducing new processes and additional verification methods.
Financial controls Introduction of SAP Cross functional teams Suppliers reduced and rationalised Closure of plants Closure of overlapping outlets Rationalisation of the costs of purchase Introduction of English language across all locations ALLIANCE SHOULD BE ' TO ' Improve Quality Reduce costs Internationalize Reduce debts Common objectives could be : Economies of scale Technological knowhow Leadership in quality Attractiveness of products and services
Saving Strategies
After going through a series of highs and stumbling over some economic obstacles over the last 10 years, the Indian economy is looking forward to another eventful decade. The last decade has given a clear message that the phenomenon of globalization is more pronounced than ever and the fates of emerging market economies including that are closely interlinked with that of rest of the world. The economic, political and social instability is an unfortunate reality of today's world order. A reality dawned upon not only on India, but the world economies that are slowing down with a fear of near stagnation and meltdown. One should lay stress on key opportunity areas - innovation, global competitiveness, entrepreneurship, gaining mindshare v. market share and social responsibility that are not merely good to have, but a must have for entity, be it government or privately held, large or small. If there is any approach that can work in today's context, it is to collaborate and work together to tap the latest potential in these opportunity areas.
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Corporate Laws
Upon his death his legal heirs moved the court seeking the recall of the attachment on the ground that personal properties of the director cannot be attached for the debt of the company.
Decision: Application dismissed.
Reason
After giving my anxious consideration to the entire matter I find no reason whatsoever to revive the review application no. 1372/1998 as the review petitioner himself during his lifetime had never pursued that application and the reason for that appears to be that he had also filed an appeal before the filing of the review application to challenge the correctness of the order dated 18th August, 1998 whereby the Official Liquidator had been directed to take the custody of the land in question belonging to him. There is another reason also for not entertaining the present four applications for setting aside the abatement of the review application. As noticed already,before filing the review application late Shri Mukhinder Singh had filed an appeal against the order dated 18th August, 1998, of which review was also being sought, on the ground that his personal properties could not be attached and sold to pay off the debts of the Company in liquidation since he was a non-functional Director. That appeal was disposed of as having abated and when the legal heirs of late Shri Mukhinder Singh moved similar applications before the Division Bench for setting aside of the abatement of the appeal the same were not pressed and the Division Bench had accordingly dismissed the same. With the dismissal of the applications moved by the present applicants for setting aside of the abatement of the appeal the order dated 18th August, 1998, of which review was being sought by late Shri Mukhinder Singh, attained finality and so there is now no justification for entertaining the present applications for setting aside of the abatement of review application and is being taken up for hearing on merits. From the aforesaid narration of the background of this case it also appears that late Shri Mukhinder Singhs attempt was only to wriggle out of his undertaking which he had given to this Court that he shall be personally liable to clear the dues of the Company in liquidation in case the Company itself failed to do that and now after his death his legal heirs also want that somehow or the other this Court does not proceed further to have his undertaking and assurance given to this Court enforced by selling the land which he had placed at the disposal of the Court. For the aforesaid reasons, all the four applications filed by the legal heirs of late Shri Mukhinder Singh are dismissed.
LW 98.11.2012
ROCKSMELT COMPANY (INDIA) LTD V. GANGA AUTOMOBILES LTD [DEL]
Co.A. Nos. 616-619/2012 in Co. Petition No. 161/1997
P.K.Bhasin, J.
[Decided on 08/10/2012]
Companies Act,1956 - Winding up - directors personal properties - director gives undertaking to court that his personal properties can be attached - Later turns around and contents personal properties cannot be attached for company's debts - whether tenable - On facts Held, No.
Brief facts
The respondent company was under liquidation. One of the directors of the company Mr.Mukhinder Singh (who died during the pendency of these proceedings and the four applications which are being disposed of by this common order had been moved by his legal heirs) gave an undertaking to the court to the effect that his personal properties could be attached if the company fails to discharge the debt. As the company could not clear the debt the assets are sought to be attached. In these circumstances, Mr. Mukhinder Singh appealed against the attachment order which was later dismissed for non prosecution.
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LW 99.11.2012
V. K. KAUL V. SEBI [SAT] Appeal No. 55 of 2012 & 56 of 2012.
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P. K. Malhotra & S.S.N. Moorthy, Members.
[Decided on 08/10/2012]
Sections 12(A) (d), 12(A) (e) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 read with Regulation 2(c) (i)Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992 - Non executive director of parent company utilising UPSI relating to investments in target company - whether liable - Held, Yes.
Brief facts
Mr. V. K. Kaul was a non-executive independent director of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (Ranbaxy) for the period from January 1, 2007 to December 18, 2008. Ranbaxy is the parent company of Solrex Pharmaceuticals Limited (Solrex). Ranbaxy is also the holding company of Rexcel Pharmaceutical Limited (Rexcel). Solrex is a company directly under the control of Ranbaxy. Certain alerts were generated at the National Stock Exchange Limited and the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited during the period from March 17, 2008 to April 9, 2008 on the basis of which the Board took up joint investigation in the dealings of the scrip of Orchid Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (the target company). Solrex made large investments in the scrip of the target company from March 31, 2008 onward. It was noted that Mrs. Bala Kaul, appellant in Appeal no. 56 of 2012, wife of Mr. V. K. Kaul, appellant in Appeal no. 55 of 2012 had traded in the scrip of the target company ahead of large investments made by Solrex in the scrip of the target company. The funds for the said trading were provided by Mr. V. K. Kaul and trading was done through Religare Securities Limited, who is also the stockbroker of Solrex. Mrs. Bala Kaul bought a total of 35,000 shares at an average price of Rs. 131.71 on 27th and 28th March 2008 and sold them on April 10, 2008 at an average price of Rs. 219.94. This trading was allegedly done on the basis of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) available with Mr. V. K. Kaul to the effect that Solrex is going to invest large amounts in the scrip of the target company. Show cause notice dated April 8, 2011 was issued to the appellants asking them to furnish their reply to the charges. The appellants denied the charges where after a personal hearing was also granted. After considering the material available on record and the personal hearing, the adjudicating officer of the Board held the appellants guilty of the charges and imposed penalty as stated above.
Decision: Appeals dismissed.
exchange when he is in possession of any unpublished price sensitive information and any person who deals in securities in contravention of regulation 3 is said to be guilty of insider trading. While we agree with learned senior counsel for the appellant that the decision of Solrex to purchase shares of the target company may not be a UPSI for the target company but it is definitely UPSI for Solrex because the decision of the Solrex to purchase shares of the target company, if published, is likely to materially affect the price of the securities of the target company. The decision taken by Solrex to purchase shares of the target company is not a decision in public domain and known only to insiders of Solrex. Hence it is a price sensitive information for Solrex. We are, therefore, of the view that the term price sensitive information used in regulation 2(ha) is wide enough to include information relating directly or indirectly to 'a company'. The Solrex had decided to purchase shares of the target company. Here, Solrex is 'the company' and target company is 'a company'. The decision of Solrex to purchase shares of the target company is likely to materially affect the price of securities of the target company. Only the insiders of Solrex are aware about this decision of the company. If the insiders of Solrex are allowed to trade in the shares of the target company ahead of purchase of shares by Solrex, surely the trading will be on the basis of insider information. The decision of Solrex to purchase shares of the target company is, therefore, UPSI for the insiders of Solrex and they are prohibited from dealing in the shares of the target company till such information becomes public. It is not obligatory under the regulations that the UPSI must be in the possession or knowledge of 'a company' in whose securities an insider of 'the company' deals. As long as, an insider of 'the company' deals in the securities of 'a company' listed on any stock exchange while in possession of UPSI relating to that company, the provisions of Regulation 3(i) of the regulations will get attracted. Let us now look at the status of Mr. V. K. Kaul as to whether, in the facts and circumstances of this case, he falls within the definition of 'insider' as given in regulation 2(e) of the Regulations. We are of the view that answer has to be in the affirmative. He was the whole time director of Ranbaxy till December 31, 2003. In 2008, he was an independent director of Ranbaxy. He was also a member of the audit committee and compensation committee of Ranbaxy. He has attended all the meetings of these two committees which took place in the year 2008. The Board has placed sufficient material on record in the form of record of telephone calls to show that he was in constant touch with Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh and Mr. Umesh Sethi from March 24, 2008 to March 26, 2008 and was frequently talking to them on telephone. A reasonable presumption can, therefore, be drawn that Mr. V. K. Kaul, being connected person to the company, was aware about the decision taken on March
Reason
It will be seen that regulation 3, among others, prohibits an insider, either on his own behalf or on behalf of any other person, from dealing in securities of a company listed on any stock
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20, 2008 and March 28, 2008 with regard to the opening of demat account, authorization to Mr. Malvinder Mohan Singh to sanction loan and decision of Solrex to invest in the scrip of the target company. It has been observed by this Tribunal earlier also in the case of Dilip S. Pendse (supra) that charge of insider trading is one of the most serious charge in relation to the securities market and having regard to the gravity of this wrong doing, higher must be the preponderance of probabilities in establishing the same. In support, reliance was also placed on the observations made by the Apex Court in the case of Mousam Singha Roy v. State of West Bengal (2003) 12 SCC 377 in the context of administration of criminal justice and observing that these principles apply to civil cases as well where the charge is to be established not beyond reasonable doubt but on the preponderance of the probabilities. We are also of the view that the adjudicating officer has rightly relied on the observations of U.S.Court in Rajaratnam case (supra) on the relevance of circumstantial evidence in Para 38 of the impugned order which reads as under :"38. Regarding the issue of relevance of circumstantial evidence, the Hon'ble District Court Southern District of New York in the matter of United States of America v. Raj Rajaratnam 09 Cr. 1184 (RJH) decided on 11.08.2011 has observed as follows: "Moreover, several other Courts of Appeals have sustained insider trading convictions based on circumstantial evidence in considering such factors as "(1) access to information; (2) relationship between the tipper and the tippee; (3) timing of contact between the tipper and the tippee; (4) timing of the trades; (5) pattern of the trades; and (6) attempts to conceal either the trades or the relationship between the tipper and the tippee." United States v. Larrabee, 240 F.3d 18, 21-22 (1st Cir. 2001)" The above principles are not in conflict with the regulatory framework prescribed by the Board and can be looked into while deciding case of insider trading under the Indian regulatory framework.In the result, the appeals are dismissed with no order as to costs.
Section 15(HB) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 read with Regulation 7 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Stock Brokers and Sub - Brokers) Regulations, 1992 - unauthorised trading - broker allowing unauthorised trading on behalf of client - Mother is the client and son traded on oral authorisation - whether tenable - Held, No.
Brief facts
The Board conducted investigation in the dealings in the scrip of Asia Star Company Limited (the company) for the period October 10, 2008 to November 20, 2008. The rise in the price of the scrip of the company during the investigation period as against the general fall in Sensex generated suspicion in the trades. The investigation revealed that certain entities of one Mehta group were indulging in circular/reversal/synchronized trades to create artificial volumes in the scrip and the kingpin of the trades was one Sunil Mehta. Usha Mehta, mother of Sunil Mehta, was a client of the appellant broker. During the impugned period the appellant broker allowed Sunil Mehta to operate the account of his mother and engage in the transactions in the scrip of the company which resulted in manipulation of the price of the scrip. So the Board alleged that the appellant had acted in violation of the code of conduct prescribed for stock brokers and for that penal action was warranted. A show cause notice was issued on December 9, 2010. The appellant filed a reply denying all the allegations. This was followed by a personal hearing in which the request regarding statements obtained from Sunil Mehta and other similar documents was sorted out. The appellant filed further written submissions defending its stand claiming that there was no foul play in the operation of Usha Mehta's account by her son and the appellant had taken all possible care and diligence in the operation of the account after obtaining necessary credentials about the identity of the client. The adjudicating officer, after careful consideration of the submissions put forward by the appellant, held the appellant guilty of violating the code of conduct for stock brokers and imposed a sum of Rs.5 lacs as penalty.
Decision: Appeal dismissed.
LW 100.11.2012
INDIA INFOLINE SECURITIES LIMITED V. SEBI [SAT]
Appeal No. 58 of 2012
Reason
We have considered the rival submissions.The role of a stock broker is significant in maintaining the integrity of the stock market. So it is essential to abide by the mandate in the code of conduct prescribed for stock brokers. In the present case, the trading account of Usha Mehta was admittedly operated by her son Sunil Mehta. It is not in dispute that there was no written authorization from Usha Mehta allowing her son to operate the trading account. The appellant has admitted that it has acted on the verbal authorization of Usha Mehta. It is not a case where the appellant is not conscious of the need for a written authorization for trades to be done on
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behalf of another person. The only defense of the appellant is that it acted in good faith taking into account mother son relationship of the family and timely settlement of accounts by the client without giving room for any doubt in his conduct. However, the reply given by the appellant as regards the authorization reveals the fact that the appellant was conscious of the requirement of a written authorization. Admittedly, the appellant has insisted on necessary KYC documents for establishing the identity of Usha Mehta. However, in the declaration attached to the account opening form of Usha Mehta it is declared that "the first holder is the sole signatory or authorized to operate the trading account". The appellant has, obviously deviated from this declaration of the appellant. It may be true that the appellant was guided by family relationship and oral authorization given by Usha Mehta. The broker client agreement has got a statutory force since it is meant for observing the rules, bye-laws, regulations and circulars issued by the Exchange. In respect of instructions issued by an authorised representative specific reference is made to the letter authorising the said representatives. Therefore, it cannot be held that there is no requirement to obtain a written authorisation. In other words, a written authorisation is necessary to allow a third person to trade on behalf of the client of the broker. Facts contained in the reply quoted hereinabove would also show that the appellant was aware of the requirements to obtain written authorisation and it continuously followed up with the client for submitting the same. This was not complied with by the client. The adjudicating officer, after verification of the records of the case and the reply filed by the appellant, held that the appellant failed to follow the standard policy of obtaining written authorisation for allowing Sunil Mehta to trade on behalf of his mother. In the show cause notice also while framing the allegation against the appellant it is has been brought on record that the appellant failed to submit before the investigating authority any authority letter from Usha Mehta authorising her son Sunil Mehta in spite of specific undertaking to submit the same. It may be true that the appellant has taken on record all documents on the basis of KYC norms for opening the trading account of the client. But, however, in allowing Sunil Mehta to trade on behalf of his mother who is the client, the appellant has not complied with the requirements of due diligence, skill and integrity required of a broker. We cannot accept the view of the appellant that by verifying the credentials of the client the appellant had discharged the onus of acting with care, due diligence and skill. The submission of the appellant in the grounds of appeal that verbal authorisation is a valid authorisation cannot be accepted especially in the light of the clause in the member client agreement referred to hereinabove. According to the appellant's learned counsel, written authorisation is a requirement between the client and the broker and it has no relevance to the market. In other words, it is not meant for protection of the market but to regulate the relationship of the broker and the client. Be that as it may, the requirement of written authorisation when the trades are undertaken by a third person cannot be wished away. It has the backing of the rules and regulations and so the broker is bound to abide by the requirements. Since the appellant did not comply with one of the fundamental requirements of member client relationship we hold that the appellant has failed to exercise due diligence and failed to act with integrity, care and skill as laid down in the stock brokers regulations. So the appellant has defaulted in complying with the stock brokers regulations and penalty is called for. As held in the case of SEBI v. Shri Ram Mutual Fund [2006] 68 SCL 216 (SC) by the Supreme Court penalty must follow once the guilt stands established. In view of the discussion above, the order of the adjudicating officer is upheld.
General Laws
LW 101.11.2012
SMT. SEEMA THAKUR & ORS V. SMT. PANCHI DEVI & ORS [DEL]
CS(OS) No.2211/2003
Brief facts
This suit was compromised and the compromise was recorded on 16.11.2005. Rights of the parties in various properties were decided. Defendants had to pay a particular amount to the plaintiff. The issue was whether a final decree has to be passed for the purpose of payment of stamp duty.
Decision Appeal allowed.
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that properties have to be sold, in law, a final decree has to be passed inasmuch as, government revenue in the form of stamp duty has to be deposited in terms of Article 45 of the Stamp Act, 1899 read with Section 2(15) of the said Act, as per which, a decree of a Court for partition would be included in the expression instrument of partition. I have had an occasion to consider this aspect in the judgment titled as Ashok Kumar Arora v. Om Prakash & Ors. in CS (OS) 541/2003 dated 3.9.2012. It has been held by the learned Single Judge of this Court in the case of Must. Shahabia Begum v. Must. Pukhraj Begum & Ors. AIR 1973 Delhi 154 (V 60 C 47) that once there is an order of sale of the properties in a partition suit, a final decree has to be passed. In view of the above, the suit is disposed of by confirming the order dated 16.11.2005 declaring the shares of the parties as also the other directions containing therein. It is directed that physical partition cannot take place and the sale/purchase will take place in terms of the order dated 16.11.2005. Any issue with regard to the sale of the properties and valuation, if any, will be decided in execution proceedings. Since various orders have also been passed after 16.11.2005, although, a final decree was to be passed at that stage, any of the parties to the present suit can take benefit of the orders passed after 16.11.2005, to the extent the same are necessary for effectuating the order dated 16.11.2005. The suit is disposed of in terms of the aforesaid observations. struggle to have their most basic rights protected at workplaces. The statutory law is not in place. The Protection of Women Against Sexual Harassment at Work Place Bill, 2010 is still pending in Parliament though Lok Sabha is said to have passed that Bill in the first week of September, 2012. The belief of the Constitution framers in fairness and justice for women is yet to be fully achieved at the workplaces in the country. This group of four matters in the nature of public interest litigation raises principally the grievance that women continue to be victims of sexual harassment at workplaces. The guidelines in Vishaka, (1997) 6 SCC 241 are followed in breach in substance and spirit by state functionaries and all other concerned. The women workers are subjected to harassment through legal and extra-legal methods and they are made to suffer insult and indignity.
LW 102.11.2012
MEDHA KOTWAL LELE & ORS V. UNION OF INDIA & ORS [SC]
Writ Petition (Criminal) Nos. 173-177 of 1999, T.C. (C) No. 21 of 2001 and Civil Appeal Nos. 5009 and 5010 of 2006
Prevention of sexual harassment of women in workplace Extension of Vishaka guidelines to work place of professionals - Statutory professional bodies such as Bar Council of India, ICSI etc. to implement the guidelines in spirit and substance.
Brief facts
The Vishaka & Ors. v. State of Rajasthan & Ors (1997) 6 SCC 241 judgment came on 13.8.1997. Yet, 15 years after the guidelines were laid down by the Supreme Court for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment and their due compliance under Article 141 of the Constitution of India until such time appropriate legislation was enacted by the Parliament, many women still
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and shall act on such report accordingly. The findings and the report of the Complaints Committee shall not be treated as a mere preliminary investigation or inquiry leading to a disciplinary action but shall be treated as a finding/report in an inquiry into the misconduct of the delinquent. (ii) The States and Union Territories which have not carried out amendments in the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules shall now carry out amendments on the same lines, as noted above in Clause (i) within two months. (iii) The States and Union Territories shall form adequate number of Complaints Committees so as to ensure that they function at taluka level, district level and state level. Those States and/or Union Territories which have formed only one Committee for the entire State shall now form adequate number of Complaints Committees within two months from today. Each of such Complaints Committees shall be headed by a woman and as far as possible in such Committees an independent member shall be associated. (iv) The State functionaries and private and public sector undertakings/organisations/bodies/institutions etc. shall put in place sufficient mechanism to ensure full implementation of the Vishaka guidelines and further provide that if the alleged harasser is found guilty, the complainant - victim is not forced to work with/under such harasser and where appropriate and possible the alleged harasser should be transferred. Further provision should be made that harassment and intimidation of witnesses and the complainants shall be met with severe disciplinary action. (v) The Bar Council of India shall ensure that all bar associations in the country and persons registered with the State Bar Councils follow the Vishaka guidelines. Similarly, Medical Council of India, Council of Architecture, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Institute of Company Secretaries and other statutory Institutes shall ensure that the organisations, bodies, associations, institutions and persons registered/affiliated with them follow the guidelines laid down by Vishaka. To achieve this, necessary instructions/circulars shall be issued by all the statutory bodies such as Bar Council of India, Medical Council of India, Council of Architecture, Institute of Company Secretaries within two months from today. On receipt of any complaint of sexual harassment at any of the places referred to above the same shall be dealt with by the statutory bodies in accordance with the Vishaka guidelines and the guidelines in the present order. We are of the view that if there is any non-compliance or nonadherence to the Vishaka guidelines, orders of this Court following Vishaka and the above directions, it will be open to the aggrieved persons to approach the respective High Courts. The High Court of such State would be in a better position to effectively consider the grievances raised in that regard.
Tax Laws
LW 103.11.2012
COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, CENTRAL EXCISE & SERVICE TAX V. M/S ASTER TELESERVICES (P) LTD [CESTAT]
Service Tax Appeal No. 1802 of 2010
Service tax on GTA - taking Cenvat benefit while clearing the finished product- whether tenable - Held, Yes.
Brief facts
The respondent was engaged in the manufacture of excisable goods during the material period (April 2007 to February 2008) during which they were utilising the services of Goods Transport Agencies (GTA) for bringing inputs into their factory as well as clearing final products from the factory and they were also paying service tax on the GTA services. They took CENVAT credit of the service tax so paid and utilised the same for payment of duty of excise on their final products. A dispute arose between them and the department as to whether, for payment of service tax on GTA services, they could utilise CENVAT credit of the service tax paid on other input services and duty of excise paid on inputs, such input services and inputs having been utilised in, or in relation to, manufacture of final products. It appears from the order-in-original that the demand was raised on GTA services used for outward transportation of final products from the factory. Aggrieved by that order, the assessee preferred an appeal to the Commissioner (Appeals) and obtained relief. The appellate authority considered the assessee as provider of GTA services and, accordingly, held that utilisation of CENVAT credit of the service tax/excise duty paid on input services/inputs, for payment of service tax on GTA services was in order. The appellate Commissioners order was reviewed in the department and, accordingly, the present appeal was filed.
Decision : Appeal dismissed.
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Reason
It has been argued by the learned counsel for the respondent that, as GTA service (the taxable service referred to in Section 65 (105) (zzp) of the Finance Act, 1994) was specifically excluded from the definition of output service with effect from 1.3.2008, the said service should be held to have been included in the definition prior to the said date. In other words, when the respondent was paying service tax on GTA service, they were doing so on an output service and, therefore, they were entitled to utilise CENVAT credit for payment of such tax. The definition of person liable for paying service tax and the definition of provider of taxable service given under Rule 2 (q) & (r) respectively seem to be supportive of this argument. It is not in dispute that the respondent was liable for paying service tax on GTA service by virtue of Rule 2(1) (d) of the Service Tax Rules, 1994. If that be so, the respondent would squarely fit in the definition of provider of taxable service. In other words, the respondent who was liable to pay service tax on GTA service was also to be deemed to be the provider of that service. This is precisely the view taken by the lower appellate authority and the same is supported by the decision cited by the learned counsel for the respondent. All the cited decisions were rendered for periods prior to 1.3.2008, the date on which GTA service came to be excluded from the scope of the definition of output service. The decision rendered by this Tribunal in the case of ITC Ltd. (supra) seems to have been correctly distinguished in the case of Shree Rajasthan Syntex Ltd. (supra). The Tribunals decision in the case of Commissioner of C. Ex., Chandigarh v. Nahar Industrial Enterprises Ltd. [2007 (7) S.T.R. 26 (Tri.- Del.)] as upheld by the Punjab & Haryana High Court was appropriately relied on in the said case of Shree Rajasthan Syntex Ltd. The High Court's decision is to the effect that there is no legal bar to utilisation of CENVAT credit for the purpose of payment of service tax on GTA service by the deemed provider thereof. It is pertinent to note that the High Court was dealing with the above issue for a period prior to 19.4.2006, the date on which the Explanation to Rule 2(p) of the CCR, 2004 was omitted. Even for a period subsequent to the omission of the said Explanation, as rightly argued by the learned counsel for the respondent, the amendment would have little impact on the present case inasmuch as the respondent was a manufacturer of excisable goods and not one of the persons referred to in the text of the Explanation. In any case, the view taken by the learned Commissioner (Appeals) is squarely supported by the High Court's judgment. In the result, this appeal of the department gets dismissed.
E/A/591/2009
Seventh Schedule of the Finance Bill,2008 read with Collection of Taxes Act, 1931 - cement not included in the seventh schedule - duty paid at pre-budget rate while duty was demanded at the post budget rate - whether tenable - Held, No.
Brief facts
The Appellant is engaged in the manufacture of Portland Pozzolana Cement falling under sub-heading 25232930 of the First Schedule to the Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985. The product manufactured by the Appellant carries MRP of more than Rs. 250/per bag of 50 Kgs. Prior to Budget, 2008, the said item attracted Central Excise Duty at the Tariff Rate of Rs. 600 PMT. Audit issued a spot memo dated 26.08.08 against the Appellant on the ground that from 01.03.2008 to 09.05.2008, they were required to pay tariff rate of duty of Rs. 900/- per tonne instead of Rs. 600/- per tonne. Accordingly, a show cause-cum-demand notice dated 20.03.2009 was issued against them on the ground that by virtue of declared provisions under the provisions of Collection of Taxes Act, 1931 vide Clause 84 read with Seventh Schedule of the Finance Bill, 2008, any increase of Central Excise Duty as amended in the manner specified in the Seventh Schedule of the Finance Act, 2008 will come into force with immediate effect after passing of the Bill on 29.04.2008. The learned Commissioner confirmed the demand of Rs. 85,95,113/- along with the interest and equal amount of penalty under Section 11AC of the Central Excise Act, 1944. Hence the present Appeal.
Decision : Appeal allowed.
Reason
We have considered the submissions and perused the records. Undisputedly, the item i.e.cement, attracted Central Excise Duty at the tariff rate of Rs. 600/- per MT prior to Budget, 2008. After the Finance Bill, 2008, the Department raised and confirmed a demand arising out of the substitution of tariff rate of Rs. 900/- per ton in place of Rs. 600/- per ton for the intervening period from 29.04.2008 to 09.05.2008, the period between the amendment to the Finance Bill, 2008 and the date of enactment. The case of the Department is that the enhanced rate of duty would be applicable with effect from 29.04.2008 itself, on the ground of substitution of amendment in the 7th Schedule of the Finance Bill on 29.04.2008, which was enacted on 10.05.2008 by Section 89 by virtue of the 7th Schedule of the Finance Bill, 2008 and the declared Provisions under Collection of Taxes Act, 1931, vide clause 84 read with 7th Schedule of the Finance Bill, 2008. The case of the Appellant is that the declaration under PCTA was made with reference to clause 84 of the Bill relating to the items figuring in the 7th Schedule, which existed at the material time. In other words, the declaration made under PCTA has to be read with reference to clause 84, which existed at the material time. The cement
LW 104.11.2012
ULTRATECH CEMENT LTD v. COMMISSIONER OF CENTRAL EXCISE [CESTAT]
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manufactured by the Appellant, was not figuring in the 7th Schedule at the introduction of the Bill, 2008. Hence, there was no proposal at the time of introduction of the Finance Bill, 2008 for any increase in the rate of duty on any cement. From the above it is clear, that the declaration was made with regard to Clause 84 under PCTA read with 7th Schedule of the Finance Bill, 2008, whereby cement manufactured by the Applicant, was not figuring. As regards the rate of cement enhanced w.e.f. 29.04.2008, as per Section 89 read with 7th Schedule of the Finance Bill, 2008, which was enacted on 10.05.2008, no declaration under PCTA was made. Section 3 of the PCTA empowers the Government, where a Bill to be introduced on its behalf provides for imposition or increase of a duty of customs or excise , to insert in the Bill a declaration that any provision of the Bill relating to such imposition or increase shall have immediate effect under the Act. What is requisite is that by reason of the Bill the customs or excise statute is to be amended either to impose duty for the first time or, where it is already imposed, to increase it. By making the declaration under the said Act the imposition or increase becomes effective upon the introduction of the Bill. Undisputedly, no declaration under PCTA was made with regard to enhancement of duty on cement to Rs. 900/- PMT, which was moved by way of amendment to Finance Bill, 2008 by the Finance Minister on 29.04.2008. Therefore, the effective date of the enhancement in the present case would be the date of enactment i.e.10.05.2008. It therefore follows that any proposal for imposition/increase of duty by way of an amendment will not have immediate effect in absence of declaration under the provisions of the PCTA. Undisputedly, no declaration was made in case of impugned amendment moved after the introduction of Bill. In these circumstances, we find that the learned Commissioners impugned Order is not sustainable and is accordingly set aside and the Appeal is allowed with consequential relief, if any, as per law.
subsidiary enter into a specific contract for this arrangement Indian company pays to Australian subsidiary for the services provided by it - Australian clients pay to Indian company for the services received-whether the income of Australian company taxable in India - Held, No.
Brief facts
The applicant is an Indian company incorporated under the Companies Act, 1956. It is engaged in the business of development and export of computer software and related services. It has customers across the world. The applicant undertakes the work of software development and related services for its clients across the world. The work would be either onsite work or offshore work. The applicant has clients in Australia. In the year 1999, it set up a branch office in Australia. Since the applicant felt that it would be more profitable to have a local presence in Australia, the applicant acquired 100% equity of an Australian company. The Expert Information Services Pty. Ltd. The transaction was completed effective from 2.1.2004. That acquired company was re-named Infosys Technologies (Australia) Pty. Ltd. That overseas subsidiary of the applicant is now engaged in the business of development of computer software and related services. The applicant undertakes work in Australia. It then sub- contracts a part of the work to its subsidiary, Infosys Australia. Infosys Australia performs the work wholly in Australia. The applicant makes payment to Infosys Australia for such work. The applicant wanted a ruling essentially on the question whether the payments made by it to Infosys Australia as consideration for the subcontract work, is chargeable to tax in India, either under the Income-tax Act, 1961 or under the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention between India and Australia.
LW 105.11.2012
INFOSYS TECHNOLOGIES LTD V. COMMISSIONER OF INCOME-TAX [AAR]
A.A.R. No. 1065 of 2011
Income-tax Act, 1961 - Sections 9(1)(vii), 195 and 245R(2) advance ruling-Indian company getting orders from Australian clients- Australian subsidiary of Indian company delivers the services in Australia - Indian company and its Australian
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based on a contract given to it by the applicant for a work the applicant has undertaken to perform in Australia, but that does by itself lead us to the conclusion that the income earned by Infosys Australia is chargeable to tax under the Act. Can it be said that the entire income earned by Infosys Australia is earned in Australia. The payer is in India. The orders are secured by the applicant and the work sub-contracted to Infosys Australia. The contract as far as Infosys Australia is concerned, is secured from India. What is the source of the income? Is it the place from where it emanates? If it does, does not the income in this transaction emanate from India when the sub-contract is given by the applicant to Infosys Australia? The payer is also in India. Under paragraph 5 of Article 12 of the DTAC, it has to be deemed that the income has arisen in India in this case. The fact that services are rendered in Australia cannot override the legal effect of the circumstances noticed. The applicant is giving directions to Infosys Australia about the performance of its work. It is not disputed that under the Act, the payment made will be fee for technical services. But no services are performed in India by Infosys Australia. The source could be the payer. But, it is submitted that in this case since the services are performed in Australia, the source would be where the services are performed. The Ruling of this Authority in International Hotel Licencing Co. S.A.R.L., In re (288 ITR 534) is relied on in support. Alternatively, it is pleaded that even if the source of income is found to be India, in terms of the explanation to section 9(1)(i)(a) of the Act, only such part of the income as is attributable to India can be taxed in India. Since Infosys Australia has no Permanent Establishment in India. Article 7 of the DTAC is not attracted. By referring to the decision of the Supreme Court in Canborandum Co. v. CIT (108 ITR 335), it is pointed out that in order to rope in the income of a non-resident under the deeming provision in section 9(1) of the Act, it must be shown by the Revenue that some of the operations were carried out in India. The Revenue has sought to meet these contentions by pointing out that in those days of developed information technology, physical presence of the employees of Infosys Australia in India is not necessary. The contract with the customer is between the applicant and the customer. The contract is not with Infosys Australia. This is a case where the Indian parent and the Australian subsidiary are working on the same project. The work done by Infosys Australia is only part of the work of the project. As far as Infosys Australia is concerned, its source of income is the agreement with the applicant. The responsibility to the customer ultimately is that of the applicant. If what is paid is fees for technical services, then in terms of paragraph 8 of Article 12 of the DTAC no business connection is needed. In reply, it is submitted that in law in the absence of physical
November 2012
presence, Infosys Australia must have a fixed place of business in India before its income could be taxed in India. Infosys Australia had performed services only in Australia. On a consideration of the relevant aspects, it is seen that the source of income of Infosys Australia has to be fixed as India. It cannot be held under the circumstances, on the materials available, that Infosys Australia is making available any technical service to the applicant so as to satisfy the requirement of clause (g) of paragraph 3 of Article 12 of the DTAC. So, whatever may be the position under the Act, in terms of DTAC, the fees for technical services paid is not chargeable to tax in India. In the light of this, on question no. 1 it is ruled that the income of Infosys Australia arises from a source in India. On question no. 2 it is ruled that what is paid by the applicant to Infosys Australia is fees for technical services, the question of the existence of a Permanent Establishment does not arise. On question no. 3 it is ruled that what is paid to Infosys Australia is fees for technical services under section 9(1)(vii) of the Act, but it is not royalty in terms of Article 12 of the DTAC between India and Australia in terms of the requirements of paragraph 3 (g) of the said Article. The Ruling on question no. 4 is already included in the ruling on question no. 3. Since what is paid is found to be for technical services, question no. 5 does not arise. Since there is no income chargeable to tax in India, question no. 6 is ruled in favour of the applicant. In view of the ruling that no withholding of tax under section 195 of the Act is called for, this question is not ruled on.
Consumer Laws
LW 106.11.2012
CITIMAKE BUILDERS PVT LTD V. SAMATA SAHAKARI BANK LTD [NCDRC]
M.A. No. 580 of 2011 in Consumer Complaint No. 141 of 2009
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overdraft account - withdrawal of amounts through forged cheques - whether complaint maintainable - Held, No.
Brief facts
Complainants opened Current Account No.1211 in the year 2004 with the opposite party and the said account was operated by Naresh Jain and Abdul Wahid Abdul Gafoor Khatri. On scrutiny of Company's record on 8.11.2008 it was found that Companies account was debited for various amounts which were suspicious entries on the basis of forged and fabricated signatures of the authorized persons/partners without any consent, knowledge and information to the complainant by the opposite party, the opposite party's concerned officers have intentionally and wilfully encashed and honoured about 53 cheques mentioned in paragraph 4 of the complaint without verifying signatures which were prima facie forged. The cheques shown to be debited in their account have neither been issued nor signed by them and concerned officers of the opposite party having been in collusion and conspiracy with the erring persons forged cheques have been encashed. Complainants filed criminal complaint against the opposite party on 8.7.2009 and the same is under investigation by Oshiwara Police Station. Opposite party is service provider and on account of deficiency in service, complainants have claimed aforesaid amount from the opposite party. Opposite party filed written statement. Opposite party moved an application M.A. No. 580 of 2011 and alleged that complaint filed by the complainants needs to be dismissed solely on the ground that fraud as alleged to have been committed by the bank officials of the opposite party does not come under the purview of the Consumer Protection Act as the complaint involves complicated question of facts and law.
Decision : Complaint dismissed.
and law arise, complaint should be returned to the complainant to approach Civil Court or any other Forum. Perusal of pleadings clearly reveals that forgery/genuineness of 53 cheques is in issue which involves complicated question of facts and law and involves lot of evidence and detailed enquiry, which cannot be decided in a summary way and in such circumstances application filed by the opposite party should be allowed and complaint should be returned to the complainant. Perusal of paragraph 4 of the complaint clearly reveals that most of the cheques have been encashed by way of overdraft, thus, it becomes clear that prima facie overdraft facility was provided by opposite party to the complainant. Complainant, in reply to the application submitted that overdraft facility was granted against fixed deposit receipt, but it is very much clear that complainant's current account was having facility of overdraft. As current account with overdraft facility was for commercial purpose, prima facie, complainant does not fall within the purview of consumer under the Consumer Protection Act and complaint is not maintainable.
Appointment REQUIRED
COMPANY SECRETARY
A LISTED NBFC is looking for a qualified Company Secretary with experience of 2-3 years. In addition to ACS, should also be a graduate in Commerce with Accounts as special subject. The work content involve looking after Accounts and compliance with Companies Act, SEBI Guidelines and other secretarial matters. Female preferred. Those interested may E-mail CV at investors@palcc.co.in
Reason
Basis of complaint is encashment of about 53 forged and fabricated cheques by the opposite party which were not issued by the complainant or their authorized signatories. These cheques pertain to period commencing from 30.5.2006 to 24.09.2008. Record also contains opinion of Addl. Chief State Examiner of Documents C.I.D., Maharashtra State, Mumbai dated 22.10.2010 which is in two pages, but without any reasoning for the purposes of proving a document genuine or forged. Handwriting expert has to take photos of the documents and has to compare them with the genuine signatures and has to give reasons for proving signatures to be genuine or forged. This opinion neither contains reasoning for similarities/dissimilarities nor contains photos of any document. Detailed examination in chief as well as cross-examination of handwriting expert will be required. About 53 forged cheques are required for examination about their genuineness/forgery. For this, it will require too much time and in such circumstances, the matter cannot be decided in summary nature. After going through the pleadings if complicated question of facts
(LW-125)
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From the
Government
Corporate Laws
02
Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language) Amendment Rules, 2012
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide File No. 17/161/2012-CL-V dated 12.10.2012.] In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 642 read with section 610B of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language) Rules, 2011, namely: 1. (1) These rules may be called the Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language) Amendment Rules, 2012. (2) They shall come into force with effect from the 14.10. 2012. 2. In the Companies (Filing of Documents and Forms in Extensible Business Reporting Language ) Rules, 2011(a) in rule 2, for clause (b). the following clause shall be substituted namely:'(b) "Annexure means the Annexures enclosed to the rules' ; (b) in rule 3, for the word 'Annexure', the word and figure 'Annexure 1' shall be substituted; (c ) after rule 3, the following rule shall be inserted"4. The following class of companies have to file their Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Account and any other document as required under section 220 of the Companies Act, 1956 with the Registrar using the Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) taxonomy given in Annexure II for the financial year commencing on or after 1st April, 2011 with e-Form No. 23AC-XBRL and 23ACA-XBRL specified under the Companies (Central Government) General Rules and Forms, 1956 namely:(i) all companies Iisted with any Stock Exchange(s) in their Indian subsidiaries; or (ii) all companies having paid up capital of rupees five crore and above; or (iii) all companies having turnover of rupees one hundred crore and above; or (iv) all companies covered under rule 3; Provided that the companies in Banking, Insurance, Power Sectors and Non-Banking Financial companies are exempted for Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) filing for the financial year commencing on or after 1st April, 2011. (d) for the word 'Annexure', the word and figure 'Annexure I' shall be substituted;
01
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 210A of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Central Government hereby makes the following amendments in the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs number S.O. 804 (E), dated the 11th April, 2012 published in Part II, Section 3, Subsection (ii) of the Gazette of India Extra-ordinary dated the 11th April, 2012, namely:In the said notification,(i) for serial number 5 and the entries relating thereto, the following serial number and entries shall be substituted, namely:(5) Shri Deepak Singhal, Chief General Manager-in-charge, Department of Banking Operations and Development, Nominee of Reserve Bank of India. Member, [nominated under clause (d) of sub-section (2) of Section 210A].;
(ii) for serial number 11 and the entries relating thereto, the following serial number and entries shall be substituted, namely:(11) Shri V .S. Sundaresan, Chief General Manager, Corporation Finance Department, Securities and Exchange Board of India. Member [nominated under clause (i) of sub-section (2) of section 210A]..
Renuka Kumar
Joint Secretary
November 2012
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From the
Government
Renuka Kumar
Joint Secretary
(e) after the word and figure 'Annexure I', as so substituted, the following shall be inserted, namely:'Annexure II Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) Taxonomy for Balance Sheets and Profit and Loss Accounts as required under Section 220 of the Companies Act, 1956 for the financial year commencing on or after 1st April, 2011
Renuka Kumar
Joint Secretary
05
03
Amendment of the Companies (Central Governments) General Rules and Forms (6th Amendments Rules, 2012) for Forms 23AC and 23ACA
vide
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs File No. 17/160/2012-CL-V dated 05.10.2012.]
In the notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs published in the Gazette of India vide G.S.R (E)...... dated 21st September, 2012 relating to amendment of the Companies (Central Governments) General Rules and Forms (6th Amendments Rules, 2012) for Forms 23AC and 23ACA, in page number 7, in table number C and page number 8, table number E. In the said Rules, for the word "to Directors" appearing after the word loans and advances shall be substituted by word "by Directors."
Avinash K Srivastava
Additional Secretary
In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of subsection (1) of section 642 read with section 605 A of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, further to amend the Companies (Issue of Indian Depository Receipts) Rules, 2004 namely:1(1)These rules may be called the Companies (Issue of Indian Depository Receipts) Amendment Rules, 2012. (2).They shan come into force from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. 2. In the Companies (Issue of Indian Depository Receipts) Rules , 2004, In rule 10, for sub-rule (i), the following sub-rule shall be substituted, namely;"(i) A holder of IDRs may transfer the IDRs, may ask the domestic depository to redeem them or, any person may seek reissuance of IDRs by conversion of underlying equity shares, subject to the provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, or the rules, regulations or guidelines issued under these Acts, or other law for the time being in force."
Renuka Kumar
Joint Secretary
04
Amendment to SRO 355 dated 17-11957 w.r.t. Govt. Companies under section 166 (2)
Affairs vide
06
In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 620 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Central Government hereby makes the following further amendments in the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Department of Company Law Administration vide number S.R.O. 355, dated 17th January, 1957, a copy of this notification having been laid in draft before both houses of Parliament as required by sub-section (2) of that Section, namely:In the said notification, in paragraph (2), in sub-paragraph (ii), for the words "such other place as the Central Government may approve in this behalf, the words "some other place within the city, town or village in which the registered office of the company is situate or such other place as the Central
Filing of Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Account in Extensible Business Reponing Language (XBRL) Mode for the financial year commencing on or after 1.4.2011
vide
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs General Circular No. 34/2012 dated 25.10.2012.]
In continuation of the Ministry's General Circular No. 16/2012 dated 06.07.2012, on the subject cited above, it is stated that the time limit to file the financial statements in the XBRL mode without any additional fee/penalty has been extended up to 15th December,2012 or within 30 days from the date of Annual General Meeting of the company whichever is later. 2. All other terms and conditions of the General Circular No.
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From the
Government
Annexure-I
GENERAL XBRL FILING ERRORS
Errors Cash Flow Statement not tagged Observation The Cash Flow Statement for FY 2010-11 is available in the Audited Financial Statements (PDF file). However, the same has not been tagged in XBRL financial statements filed at MCA portal. Information about one Subsidiary has been tagged in XBRL financial statements whereas the Company had nine Subsidiaries. Related Party Disclosures have not been tagged in XBRL financial statement. Aggregate Market Value of Investments not provided by way of footnote. Additional information on Issued, Subscribed & Paid up Share Capital not explained by way of footnote. Footnotes on Share Capital, Secured Loan, Reserve and Surplus, unsecured loan-Fixed deposits, Investments, Fixed Assets, Security deposit, etc have not been tagged. Footnote on Investments has not been given. The Annual Report presented before the shareholders the figures were presented in Rs. Thousands whereas in the XBRL documents the figures were provided in Rs. Lakhs. Director's Report provided by way of footnote whereas separate tags are available for tagging of Directors' Report. Similarly, for Auditors' Report, Significant Accounting policies, Unsecured Loan, Current Liabilities, etc Footnote has been incorrectly used.
07
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs General Circular No. 33/2012 dated 16.10.2012.]
1. You are aware that XBRL filing of financial statements by a select class of companies for FY 2010-11 was mandated vide Ministry of Corporate Affairs Notification GSR No: 748(E) dated 05.10.2011. The e-forms were duly certified by CA/ CS / CWA professionals for their completeness and correctness in representation with respect to audited financial statement of the company. 2. A random scrutiny of XBRL filing of financial statements by few companies to MCA for FY 2010-11 reveals significant variations in disclosures in published results and the XBRL filings due to 'incorrect' mapping of disclosures. It has been observed that few disclosures were 'mapped/tagged' with incorrect accounting concept despite availability of appropriate element in taxonomy. It has also been observed that provisions of "Block Text tagging" and/ or "Footnote" have been inappropriately used to report disclosures, like subsidiary details, related party transactions, Director's Report, etc., even when appropriate elements were available in the taxonomy for such disclosures. Few instances of "incorrect" tagging of XBRL documents are provided at Annexure-I. 3. Such filing are inaccurate and do not adequately represent true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as per Section 211 of the Companies Act, 1956. Such XBRL filings, apart from being misleading, also dilute the effectiveness of XBRL for stakeholders' usage relating to the companies. It is unfortunate that professionals have certified the authenticity of such incorrect data, for which they are liable to be penalized. Such lapses defeat the very purpose of introducing XBRL filings which are meant to elicit more detailed and refined information as to the affairs of companies. Please note that XBRL filings are being minutely scrutinized to see if similar mistakes also appear in a larger sample. 4. It is bounden duty of Institutes to direct its members to take necessary steps to improve the quality of XBRL filing for FY 2011-12 to be undertaken by its members. The Institute may conduct further trainings, issue guidelines, etc. so that such quality related issues are appropriately resolved. 5. This may be accorded high priority.
Pankaj Srivastava
Director
Information of all related party transactions not provided in XBRL financial statements Parenthetical (additional disclosures) information not tagged in XBRL financial statements
INCORRECT USAGE OF TAGS A. When appropriate taxonomy element is available Line Item Tag Use (label) Correct Tag (label) Secured Cash Credit Term Loan Working Capital Loans from Banks Banks Secured Investment in Quoted Unutilized Money Equity Securities Long Equity Shares Term Quoted Bad debts written off Other Provisions Created Bad debts Advances written off Investment Equity securities long-term Investment joint ventures (joint Venture) unquoted non-trade Power and fuel Electricity expenses Cost power fuel expenses Advertising and Brand Travelling conveyance Advertising and marketing promotional expenses Travelling and Legal professional charges Travelling conveyance conveyance Purchase/sale of Fixed Purchase other Assets, Purchase tangible fixed Assets Proceed disposal other Assets, Proceeds sale assets disposal tangible fixed assets B. Incorrect tagging/ inaccurate disclosures Line Item Tag Use Correct Tag Remarks Stock DifferentialNot tagged Increase decrease Clubbed with (Decrease)/Increase separately inventories 'Other expenditure. Salaries, Wages Tagged as Amount is It is a mandatory & Bonus zero 92,539,039 tag. Clubbed with
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1424
(GN-239)
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Amount is 248,737,864
'Other expenditure. Clubbed with 'Other expenditure. Clubbed with 'Other expenditure'. It is a manufacturing company.
authority, the filing of e-form 23B is extended without any additional fees till 23/12/12 or due date of filing, whichever is later.
Sanjay Kumar Gupta
Deputy Director
RAW MATERIALS CONSUMED Opening Stock RAW MATERIALS CONSUMED Add: Purchases RAW MATERIALS CONSUMED Less Closing Stock Deferred tax liability (Net) Deferred tax Liabilities (Net)
Stock of Raw Materials, Opening Balance Not tagged Purchases raw Materials during year Not tagged Stock of Raw Materials, Closing Balance Net Deferred Deferred Tax Tax Assets Liability Deferred tax Deferred tax liability asset other, depreciation Deferred tax asset VRS payment, Deferred tax asset provision for doubtful debts, etc.
Not tagged
10
Filling of Balance Sheet and profit and loss Account by companies in Non-XBRL for the accounting year commencing on or after 01.04.2011.
vide
Tagged with negative sign. Disaggregated disclosures all consolidated into 'Deferred tax liability depreciation'
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs General Circular No. 30/2012 dated 28.09.2012.]
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Constitution of a Committee for Reforming the Regulatory Environment for doing Business in India.
vide
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs General Circular No. 32/2012 dated 15.10.2012.]
In continuation to this Ministry vide circular no. 26/2012 dated 23.08.2012 wherein a Committee has been constituted for Reforming the Regulatory Environment for doing business in India. In this regard, the 1st meeting of the said committee held on 10.10.2012, thereafter it has been decided to include representatives from PSU Banks/from NTPC and BHEL so as to make the Committee more broad based. Accordingly, the following persons are made members of the above committee: a) Shri Pratip Chaudhuri, Chairman, State Bank of India b) Shri Arup Roy Choudhury, Chairman & Managing Director, NTPC c) Shri B.P. Rao, Chairman & Managing Director, BHEL
Sanjay Shorey
Joint Director
The Ministry has issued general circulars No. 21/2012 dated 28/09/12 and No. 28/2012 dated 03/09/12 extending time for filing e-form 23AC (Non-XBRL) and 23ACA (Non-XBRL) up to 15/10/12 or within 30 days from the date of AGM whichever is later. The revise e-forms 23AC (Non-XBRL) and 23ACA (NonXBRL) have now been notified vide notification dated 24/09/ 12 and shall come into effect from 30/09/12. In order to ensure smooth filing and to avoid last minute rush, it is to inform you that with the approval of the competent authority, the due date of filing of e-forms 23AC (Non-XBRL) or 23ACA (Non-XBRL) as per new schedule VI is now further extended in following manner without any additional fees:(a) Company holding AGM or whose due date for holding AGM is on or before 20/09/12, the time limit will be 03/11/12 or due date of filing, whichever is later. (b) Company holding AGM or whose due date for holding AGM is on or after 21/09/12, the time limit will be 22/11/12 or due date of filing, whichever is later.
Sanjay Kumar Gupta
Deputy Director
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[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide Notification No. GSR 692(E) dated 14.9.2012 Published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Part II(Section3(i))dated 14.09.2012.] In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of section 79 of the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 (6 of 2009), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, further to amend the Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2009 namely:(1) These Rules may be called the Limited Liability Partnership (Second Amendment) Rules, 2012. (2) They shall come into force with effect from 16th September 2012. In the Limited Liability Partnership Rules, 2009, in LLP form
09
Filing of form 23B by statutory auditor for the accounting year 2012- 13
vide
[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs General Circular No. 31/2012 dated 28.09.2012.]
The Ministry had issued circular No. 14 of 2012 whereby the fees was imposed on filing of 23B as per schedule X of the Act. To ensure smooth filing of the forms 23AC (Non-XBRL) and 23ACA (Non-XBRL), with the approval of the competent
(GN-240)
1425
CHARTERED SECRETARY
November 2012
From the
Government
(SEBI) Act, 1992, the Securities and Exchange Board of India ("the Board") hereby issues a General Order to lay down general criteria subject to which draft offer documents filed for issue of securities with the Board, may be rejected, where the Board has reasonable grounds to believe, for the protection of interest of investors, that the adequacy and quality of disclosures in such offer documents are not satisfactory, or where an investor may not be able to assess the risks associated with the issue. Whereas the Board does not regulate on merits or approve, document of offer / issue of securities, but only mandates true, fair and adequate disclosures including the possibility of a sanction where entities are put on notice for applying due diligence and caution while taking a decision to subscribe to the issue. The Board issues a letter of observation(s) specifying changes about disclosures and accordingly, the offer document is required to be modified. Whereas, in case of rejection of draft offer document, the communication in writing shall contain the reasons therefor. Therefore, with the above objective, a draft offer document would be scrutinized based on following broad criteria: 1. Rejection Criteria 1.1 Where Capital Structure involves any of the following; (i) Existence of circular transactions for building up the capital / net worth of the issuer. (ii) Ultimate promoters are unidentifiable. (iii) Promoters contribution not complying with SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 in letter or in spirit. 1.2 Where Object of the Issue; (i) Is vague for which a major portion of the issue proceeds are proposed to be utilized . (ii) Is repayment of loan or inter corporate deposit or any other borrowing of similar nature, and the issuer is not in a position to disclose the ultimate purpose for which the loan was taken or demonstrate utilization of the same for the disclosed purpose. (iii) Is such where the major portion of the issue proceeds is proposed to be utilized for the purpose which does not create any tangible asset for the issuer, such as, expenses towards brand building, advertisement, payment to consultants, etc., and there is not enough justification for creation of such assets in terms of past performance, experience and concrete business plan of the issuer. (iv) Is to set up a plant and the issuer has not received crucial clearances / licenses / permissions / approvals from the required competent authority which is necessary for commencement of the activity and because of such non-receipt of clearances / licenses / permissions / approvals, the issue proceeds might not be utilized towards
No.11, in the serial number 12, for item (vii), the following item shall be substituted, namely :" (vii) Companies incorporated outside India or Companies registered in Sikkim
Renuka Kumar
Joint Secretary
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[Issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide Notification No. GSR 664(E) dated 3.9.2012. Published in the Gazette of India, (Extraordinary) Part II-Section3-Sub-section(i) dated 03.09.2012.] In pursuance of sub-section (1) of Section 621 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Central Government hereby makes the following Amendment in the Notification G.S.R. 715(E) dated the 23rd September 2011 Namely :In item number 2, for the word " Sunita", the word "Sumita" shall be substituted.
Renuka Kumar
Joint Secretary
13
General Order - SEBI (Framework For Rejection of Draft Offer Documents) Order, 2012
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide CIR/CFD/DIL/15/2012 dated 15.10.2012.] 1. SEBI has, vide General Order dated October 9, 2012, notified framework for rejection of draft offer documents filed with the Board. The said general order is available on SEBI Website at following link:
http://www.sebi.gov.in/cms/sebi_data/attachdocs/1349953955224.pdf
2. All Merchant Bankers are advised to take note of the same and take due care before filing the draft offer document with the Board. 3. This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 11 read with Section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. 4. This circular is available on SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in under the category Legal Framework.
V. S. Sundaresan
Chief General Manager
General Order No. 01 of 2012 under S. 11A of Securities and Exchange Board of India Act 1992. SEBI (Framework for Rejection of Draft offer documents) order 2012 In exercise of powers conferred under Section 11A(1)(b) read with Section 4(3) of Securities and Exchange Board of India
November 2012 CHARTERED SECRETARY
1426
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the stated objects of the issue. (v) Is such where the time gap between raising the funds and proposed utilization of the same is unreasonably long. 1.3 Where business model of an issuer is; Exaggerated, complex or misleading and the investors may not be able to assess the risks associated with such business models. 1.4 Where scrutiny of Financial Statements shows; (i) Sudden spurt in the business just before filing the draft offer document and reply to clarifications sought is not satisfactory. This will include spurt in line items such as Income, Debtors/Creditors, intangible assets, etc. (ii) Qualified audit reports or the reports where auditors have raised doubts / concerns over the accounting policies. This would also be applicable for the subsidiaries, joint ventures and associate companies of the issuer which significantly contributes to the business of the issuer. This would also be applicable for the entities where the issue proceeds are proposed to be utilized. (iv) Change in accounting policy with a view to show enhanced prospects for the issuer in contradiction with accounting norms. (iii) Majority of the business is with related parties or where circular transactions with connected / group entities exist with a view to show enhanced prospects of the issuer. 1.5 Where there exists litigation including regulatory action; (i) Which is so major that the issuers survival is dependent on the outcome of the pending litigation. (ii) Which is willfully concealed or covered. 1.6 Other General Criteria; (i) Failure to provide complete documentation in terms of requirements of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009. (ii) Non-furnishing of information or delay in furnishing of information or furnishing of Incorrect / vague / misleading/incomplete/false/non satisfactory information to the Board. (iii) Failure to resolve conflict of interest, whether direct or indirect, between the issuer and Merchant Banker appointed by the issuer to undertake the book building process. Quantification of conflict of interest may not always be possible but it would largely depend upon the Board's assessment on whether such conflict of interest may affect the judgment and ability of the Merchant Banker in conducting due diligence activity of issuer. 2. Applicability of the General Order
(i) The General Order issued herein shall be applicable to all the draft offer documents filed for issue of securities, with the Board. (ii) The criteria specified for rejection in this General Order is illustrative / indicative and prescribes only general standards. (iii) Whereupon the Board after scrutinizing the draft offer document is of the opinion that the criteria mentioned in this General Order are not adhered to by the issuer/Merchant Banker, it may reject the draft offer document filed with the Board. Such scrutiny by the Board may be based on relevant information pertaining to the period of past 5 years from the date of filing of the draft offer document with the Board or any other period as deemed appropriate by the Board in exceptional cases. (iv) It is clarified here that mere triggering of any or few criteria mentioned in this General Order would not be considered as an automatic case for rejection and in all such cases a final view on rejection shall be taken by the Board after considering the materiality of the findings and facts and circumstances of each case. 3. One Time Withdrawal Opportunity As on the date of issuance of this General Order, one-time opportunity for withdrawal of draft offer documents is allowed to the issuers whose draft offer documents are pending with the Board. Draft offer documents can be withdrawn within one month from the date of issuance of this General Order. 4. Consequences of Rejection of Draft Offer Documents (i) Entities whose draft offer documents are rejected will not be allowed to access capital markets for at least one year from the date of such rejection and the same may be increased depending upon the materiality of the omissions and commissions. (ii) In cases where the Board rejects a draft offer document or where an issuer or a Merchant Banker to an issue chooses to withdraw the draft offer document, there shall be no refund of filing fees with the Board. (iii) The rejection of draft offer document under this General Order shall be without prejudice to the right of the Board to initiate any action which may be undertaken against issuer or Merchant Banker, in accordance with law. (iv) The list of such draft offer documents rejected by the Board, along with the details of issuers / Merchant Bankers and the reasons for rejection, shall be disseminated by the Board in public domain by hosting on its website. 5. This General Order shall come into force with immediate effect.
Dated : 9 October, 2012 U.K. Sinha
Chairman
(GN-242)
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CHARTERED SECRETARY
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9. Merchant Bankers shall ensure that appropriate disclosures in this regard are made in the offer document. 10.All intermediaries are advised to take necessary steps to ensure compliance with this circular. 11.This circular shall be applicable for all offer documents filed with Registrar of Companies on or after January 01, 2013. 12.This circular is issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. 13.This circular is available on SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in under the categories Legal Framework and Issues and Listing.
Sunil Kadam
General Manager Annexure A
14
Public issues in electronic form and use of nationwide broker network of Stock Exchanges for submitting application forms
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide CIR/CFD/14/2012 dated 04.10.2012.] 1. The Hon'ble Finance Minister announced the following in his speech while presenting Union Budget 2012-13: Simplifying the process of issuing Initial Public Offers (IPOs), lowering their costs and helping companies reach more retail investors in small towns. To achieve this, in addition to the existing IPO process, I propose to make it mandatory for companies to issue IPOs of Rs.10 crore and above in electronic form through nationwide broker network of stock exchanges 2. Pursuant to the above, in consultation with various market participants, SEBI has decided to introduce an additional mechanism for investors to submit application forms in public issues using the stock broker (broker) network of Stock Exchanges, who may not be syndicate members in an issue. 3. This mechanism can be used to submit ASBA as well as nonASBA applications by investors. 4. Stock Exchanges shall provide for download of application forms on their websites/broker terminals, so that any investor or stock broker can download/print the forms directly. 5. Stock Exchanges shall ensure that the information relating to price band is pre-filled in such downloadable application forms. 6. The facility to submit the application forms will be available in more than 1000 locations which are part of the nationwide broker network of the Stock Exchanges and where there is a presence of the brokers terminals (hereinafter referred to as broker centre). Based on the feedback received from market participants in this regard, it has been decided to increase the number of broker centres, in a phased manner as under: a. First phase Around four hundred (400) broker centres to be covered by January 01, 2013 b. Second phase Remaining centres to be covered by March 01, 2013 7. Accordingly, details of locations including name of the broker, contact details such as name of the contact person, postal address, telephone number, e-mail address of the broker, etc. where the application forms shall be collected will be disclosed by the Stock Exchanges on their websites at least 15 days before the dates specified above. Stock Exchanges should ensure that the details so disclosed on their websites are regularly updated. 8. The details of this mechanism and the indicative timelines for various activities under this mechanism are specified at Annexures A and B respectively.
November 2012 CHARTERED SECRETARY
1428
(GN-243)
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T T+1
self certified syndicate banks (SCSBs) for blocking of fund Step 3: Local Branch to mark for cheque return/block funds, update electronic schedule and send it to the controlling branch Local branch of the collecting bank/SCSB shall update the schedule based on cheque clearance/ fund blocking and send it to controlling branch Step 4: Controlling branch shall consolidate the electronic schedule of all branches and send it to the RTA Controlling branch shall consolidate the electronic schedule of all branches, reconcile the amount received/blocked with the bank balance and send the consolidated schedule to the RTA along with Final certificate Step 5: RTA to follow the extant process for other modes a)RTA shall reconcile the schedules received from the bank with the Stock Exchange data b)It shall calculate the compensation payable to each broker and share the details with the Stock Exchange c) It may request for physical application forms directly from Brokers/SCSBs under exceptional circumstances such as discrepancy in PAN/ demat account number/client ID, investor complaint, etc. d)It will follow the usual process of reconciliation, allotment, refund, etc Other important points a)Acknowledgement by the broker shall form the basis of any complaint b)Brokers shall be made responsible for complaints against the subbrokers c) Stock Exchanges shall disclose publicly the complaint and grievance redressal mechanism along with monetary/non-monetary penalty as applicable d)Issuer, Merchant Banker and Stock Exchange shall discuss and determine the commission that shall be payable to the non-syndicate member e)The commission that shall be payable to the non-syndicate member shall be disclosed upfront in the offer document f) In order to determine to which syndicate or non-syndicate broker commission is payable to, the terminal from which the bid has been uploaded will be taken into account g)Quantum of commission payable shall be determined not on the basis of allotment, but on the basis of applications which have been considered eligible for the purpose of allotment h)Based on the total commission payable to the non-syndicate broker as calculated by the RTA, Issuer shall disburse the amount to the Stock Exchange before listing and the Stock Exchange in turn shall pay to the brokers through clearing corporation within 2 days from the receipt of money from the issuer i) Listing shall be withheld by the Stock Exchanges till the time issuer pays brokers commission to the Stock Exchange j) Issuer shall be liable to pay to the brokers for their activity even if the issuer withdraws the issue during the issue period
2. Issue closes. 3. Stock exchange(s) to allow brokers to undertake modification of selected fields in the bid details already uploaded. Registrar to get the electronic bid details from the stock exchanges at the end of the day. 4. Issuer, merchant banker and registrar to submit relevant documents to the stock exchange(s) except listing application, allotment details and demat credit and refund details for the purpose of listing permission. In case of non-ASBA application, Brokers (Non-Syndicate members) to forward a schedule (containing application number, payment instrument number and amount), and payment instruments to collecting banks. In case of ASBA application, Brokers to forward a schedule (containing application number and amount) along with application forms to the branch named for Syndicate ASBA of the respective SCSBs for blocking of fund. Collecting banks/Designated branches may not accept bid schedule, bid applications and payment instrument, after T+2 days. Collecting banks to commence clearing of payment instruments. SCSBs to start blocking funds. Registrar to give bid file received from the stock exchanges containing the application number and amount to all the collecting banks/SCSBs who may use this file for validation/reconciliation at their end. Registrar to commence validation of the electronic bid details with depositories records for DP ID, Client ID and PAN. 5. Registrar to continue validation of the electronic bid details with depositories records. Collecting banks to continue clearing of payment instruments. SCSBs to continue blocking funds. 6. Registrar to complete validation of the electronic bid details with depositories records. Local Branch of the collecting banks/SCSBs to start sending bank schedules to controlling branch. 7. Registrar to prepare list of rejected bids based on mis-match between electronic bid details and depositories data base. Registrar to undertake Technical Rejection test based on electronic bid details and prepare list of technical rejection cases. Local Branch of the collecting banks/SCSBs to complete sending bank schedules to controlling branch. 8. Controlling branch of the collecting banks/SCSBs to submit status of clearance status of payment instrument/Blocking of fund i.e. Final Certificate to the registrar. 9. Registrar to undertake and complete reconciliation of final certificate received from the controlling branch with electronic bid details. Registrar submits the final basis of allotment to Designated Stock Exchange(s) for approving the basis of allotment. 10. Designated stock exchange(s) to approve the basis of
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(GN-244)
1429
CHARTERED SECRETARY
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are applicable on stocks are being applied for ETFs. II. In order to bring efficiency in margining of index ETFs, it has been decided that VaR margin computation for ETFs that track an index shall be computed as higher of 5% or three times sigma of the ETF. III. The revised margin framework is applicable to ETFs that tracks broad based market indices and does not include ETFs which track sectoral indices. B. Introduction of Cross-Margining facility in respect of offsetting positions in ETFs based on equity indices and constituent stocks. I. SEBI vide its circular SEBI/DNPD/Cir-44/2008 dated December 02, 2008 allowed cross margining across cash segment and exchange traded derivatives segments. II. In order to facilitate efficient use of margin capital by market participants, it has been decided to extend cross margining facility to ETFs based on equity index and its constituent stocks for following off-setting positions in cash market segment, as follows: u ETFs and constituent stocks (in the proportion specified for the ETF) to the extent they offset each other, u ETFs and constituent stocks futures (in the proportion specified for the ETF) to the extent they offset each other and u ETFs and relevant Index Futures to the extent they offset each other. III. In the event of a suspension on creation / redemption of the ETF units, the cross-margining benefit shall be withdrawn. 2. Stock Exchanges are advised to: a. take necessary steps and put in place necessary systems for implementation of the above. b. make necessary amendments to the relevant byelaws, rules and regulations for the implementation of the above decision. c. bring the provisions of this circular to the notice of the member brokers of the stock exchange and also to disseminate the same on the website. 3. This circular is being issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 11 (1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
Maninder Cheema
Deputy General Manager
allotment. Registrar to prepare funds transfer schedule based on approved allotment. Registrar to give instructions to depositories to carry out lock-in for pre issue capital. 11. Registrar and merchant banker to issue funds transfer instructions to collecting banks/SCSBs. Collecting banks/SCSBs to credit the funds in Public Issue Account of the issuer and confirm the same. Issuer to make allotment. Registrar to give instruction to depositories for credit of shares to successful allottees. Registrar to receive confirmation for pre-issue capital lock-in from depositories. 12. Issuer and registrar to file allotment details with designated stock exchange(s) and confirm all formalities are completed except demat credit and refund. Registrar to complete refund dispatch. Registrar to issue bank-wise data of allottees, allotted amount and refund amount to collecting banks/SCSBs. 13. Registrar to receive confirmation of demats credit from T+11 depositories and submit the same to the stock exchange(s). Issuer and registrar to file confirmation of demat credit and refund dispatch with stock exchange(s). Issuer to make a listing application to stock exchange(s) and stock exchanges to give listing and trading permission. Issuer, merchant banker and registrar to publish allotment advertisement before the commencement of trading, prominently displaying the date of commencement of trading, in all the newspapers where issue opening/ closing advertisements have appeared earlier. Stock exchange(s) to issue commencement trading notice. 14. Trading commences T+12 *Working days will be all days excluding Sundays and bank holidays.
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[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide CIR/MRD/DP/26/2012 dated 26.09.2012.] 1. This is further to the Risk Management framework for Cash Market specified by SEBI vide circular no. MRD/DoP/SE/Cir-07/2005 dated February 23, 2005 and modification thereto. The following additional provisions are hereby incorporated in the said framework: A. Use of VaR Methodology with respect to Exchange Traded Funds I. Index ETFs are based on a basket of securities. However, for computing margins on ETFs they are treated at par with stocks and margins that
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1430
(GN-245)
From the
Government
16
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities)(Amendment) Regulations, 2012.
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide LAD-NRO/GN/2012-13/19/5392 dated 12.10.2012. Published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Part III - Section 4 dated 12.10.2012.] In exercise of the powers under section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992), the Board hereby makes the following regulations to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) Regulations, 2008, namely:1 These regulations shall be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012. 2 These regulations shall come into force on the thirtieth day from the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 3 In the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue and Listing of Debt Securities) Regulations, 2008, i. In regulation 19, after sub-regulation (2), the following new sub-regulation shall be inserted, namely,"(3) Where the issuer has disclosed the intention to seek listing of debt securities issued on private placement basis, the issuer shall forward the listing application along with the disclosures specified in Schedule I to the recognized stock exchange within fifteen days from the date of allotment of such debt securities." ii. In regulation 21, after the words "shall make disclosures" and before the words "as specified in Schedule I", the words "in a disclosure document" shall be inserted. iii. After regulation 21, the following new regulation shall be inserted, namely, "Filing of Shelf Disclosure Document. 21A. (1) An issuer making a private placement of debt securities and seeking listing thereof on a recognised stock exchange may file a Shelf Disclosure Document containing disclosures as provided in Schedule I. (2) An issuer filing a Shelf Disclosure Document under sub-regulation (1), shall not be required to file disclosure document, while making subsequent private placement of debt securities for a period of 180 days from the date of filing of the shelf disclosure document. Provided that the issuer while making any private placement under Shelf Disclosure Document, shall file with the concerned stock exchange updated
disclosure document with respect to each tranche, containing details of the private placement and material changes, if any, in the information provided in Shelf Disclosure Document." iv. Schedule I shall be substituted with the following, namely,"SCHEDULE I [See Regulation 5 (2) (b), Regulation 19(3), Regulation 21 and Regulation 21A] DISCLOSURES 1. The issuer seeking listing of its debt securities on a recognized stock exchange shall file the following disclosures along with the listing application to the stock exchange: A. Memorandum and Articles of Association and necessary resolution(s) for the allotment of the debt securities; B. Copy of last three years audited Annual Reports; C. Statement containing particulars of, dates of, and parties to all material contracts and agreements; D. Copy of the Board / Committee Resolution authorizing the borrowing and list of authorized signatories. E. An undertaking from the issuer stating that the necessary documents for the creation of the charge, where applicable, including the Trust Deed would be executed within the time frame prescribed in the relevant regulations/act/rules etc and the same would be uploaded on the website of the Designated Stock exchange, where the debt securities have been listed, within five working days of execution of the same. F. Any other particulars or documents that the recognized stock exchange may call for as it deems fit. G. An undertaking that permission / consent from the prior creditor for a second or pari passu charge being created, where applicable, in favor of the trustees to the proposed issue has been obtained. 2. Issuer shall submit the following disclosures to the Debenture Trustee in electronic form (soft copy) at the time of allotment of the debt securities: A. Memorandum and Articles of Association and necessary resolution(s) for the allotment of the debt securities; B. Copy of last three years' audited Annual Reports; C. Statement containing particulars of, dates of, and parties to all material contracts and agreements; D. Latest Audited/Limited Review Half Yearly Consolidated (wherever available) and Standalone Financial Information (Profit & Loss statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
(GN-246)
1431
CHARTERED SECRETARY
November 2012
From the
Government
Non Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Current Investments Current Assets Current Liabilities Net sales EBITDA EBIT Interest PAT Dividend amounts Current ratio Interest coverage ratio Gross debt/equity ratio Debt Service Coverage Ratios For Financial Entities Networth Total Debt of which - Non Current Maturities of Long Term Borrowing - Short Term Borrowing - Current Maturities of Long Term Borrowing Net Fixed Assets Non Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Current Investments Current Assets Current Liabilities Assets Under Management Off Balance Sheet Assets Interest Income Interest Expense Provisioning & Write-offs PAT Gross NPA (%) Net NPA (%) Tier I Capital Adequacy Ratio (%) Tier II Capital Adequacy Ratio (%) Gross Debt: Equity Ratio of the Company:Before the issue of debt securities After the issue of debt securities
3.
statement) and auditor qualifications , if any. E. An undertaking to the effect that the Issuer would, till the redemption of the debt securities, submit the details mentioned in point (D) above to the Trustee within the timelines as mentioned in Simplified Listing Agreement issued by SEBI vide circular No.SEBI/IMD/BOND/1/2009/11/05 dated May 11, 2009 as amended from time to time, for furnishing/publishing its half yearly/ annual result. Further, the Issuer shall within 180 days from the end of the financial year, submit a copy of the latest annual report to the Trustee and the Trustee shall be obliged to share the details submitted under this clause with all 'Qualified Institutional Buyers' (QIBs) and other existing debenture-holders within two working days of their specific request. The following disclosures shall be made where relevant: A. Issuer Information Name and address of the following:i Registered office of the Issuer ii. Corporate office of the Issuer iii. Compliance officer of the Issuer iv CFO of the Issuer v. Arrangers, if any, of the instrument vi. Trustee of the issue vii. Registrar of the issue viii. Credit Rating Agency (-ies) of the issue and ix. Auditors of the Issuer b. A brief summary of the business/ activities of the Issuer and its line of business containing atleast following information:i Overview ii. Corporate Structure iii. Key Operational and Financial Parameters * for the last 3 Audited years iv. Project cost and means of financing, in case of funding of new projects *At least covering the following Consolidated basis (wherever available) else on standalone basis
Upto latest FY Half Year FY FY
Parameters For Non-Financial Entities Networth Total Debt of which - Non Current Maturities of Long Term Borrowing - Short Term Borrowing - Current Maturities of Long Term Borrowing Net Fixed Assets
c. A brief history of the Issuer since its incorporation giving details of its following activities:i. Details of Share Capital as on last quarter end:Share Capital Authorized Share Capital Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up Share Capital Rs
ii.Changes in its capital structure as on last quarter end, for the last five years:Date of Change (AGM/EGM) Rs Particulars
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ii. Details of change in directors since last three years:Director of the Company since (in case of resignation) Remarks
iii.
Equity Share Capital History of the Company as on last quarter end, for the last five years:Cumulative No of Equity Equity equity Share Share Shares Capital Premi (Rs) um (in Rs) Rem arks
No Face Issue Considerat Nature of of Value Price ion (Cash, Allotment Equi (Rs) (Rs) other than ty cash, etc) Shar es
f.
Following details regarding the auditors of the Company:i. Details of the auditor of the Company:Address Auditor since
Notes: (If any) iv. v. Details of any Acquisition or Amalgamation in the last 1 year. Details of any Reorganization or Reconstruction in the last 1 year:
Date of Announcement Date of Completion Details
Name
ii.
Name Address
Details of change in auditor since last three years:Date of Appointment / Resignation Auditor of the Company since ( in case of resignation) Remarks
Type of Event
d. Details of the shareholding of the Company as on the latest quarter end:i. Shareholding pattern of the Company as on last quarter end:Sr No Particulars Total No of Equity Shares No of shares in demat form Total Shareholding as % of total no of equity shares
g. Details of borrowings of the Company, as on the latest quarter end:i. Details of Secured Loan Facilities :Lender's Name Type of Facility Amt Sanctioned Principal Amt outstanding Repayment Date / Schedule Security
ii.
Lender's Name Type of Facility
Details of Unsecured Loan Facilities:Amt Sanctioned Principal Amt outstanding Repayment Date / Schedule
Notes: - Shares pledged or encumbered by the promoters (if any) ii. List of top 10 holders of equity shares of the Company as on the latest quarter end:Sr No Name of the shareholders Total No of Equity shares No of Shares in demat form Total Shareholding as % of total no of equity shares
iii. Details of NCDs:Debe Tenor/ Coupon Amount Date of Redemption Credit Secured/ Secur nture Period Allotm on Date/ Rating unsecur ity Series of ent Schedule ed Maturity
e. Following details regarding the directors of the Company:i Details of the current directors of the Company*
Name, Designation and DIN Age Address Director of the Details of Company since other directorship
Note: Top 10 holders' (in value terms, on cumulative basis for all outstanding debentures issues) details should be provided. v. The amount of corporate guarantee issued by the Issuer along with name of the counterparty (like name of the
November 2012
* Company to disclose name of the current directors who are appearing in the RBI defaulter list and/or ECGC default list, if any.
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Information (like Profit & Loss statement, and Balance Sheet) and auditors qualifications, if any. * k. Any material event/ development or change having implications on the financials/credit quality (e.g. any material regulatory proceedings against the Issuer/promoters, tax litigations resulting in material liabilities, corporate restructuring event etc) at the time of issue which may affect the issue or the investor's decision to invest / continue to invest in the debt securities. l. The names of the debenture trustee(s) shall be mentioned with statement to the effect that debenture trustee(s) has given his consent to the Issuer for his appointment under regulation 4 (4) and in all the subsequent periodical communications sent to the holders of debt securities. m. The detailed rating rationale (s) adopted (not older than one year on the date of opening of the issue)/ credit rating letter issued (not older than one month on the date of opening of the issue) by the rating agencies shall be disclosed. n. If the security is backed by a guarantee or letter of comfort or any other document / letter with similar intent, a copy of the same shall be disclosed. In case such document does not contain detailed payment structure( procedure of invocation of guarantee and receipt of payment by the investor along with timelines), the same shall be disclosed in the offer document. o. Copy of consent letter from the Debenture Trustee shall be disclosed. p. Names of all the recognised stock exchanges where the debt securities are proposed to be listed clearly indicating the designated stock exchange. q. Other details i. DRR creation - relevant regulations and applicability. ii. Issue/instrument specific regulations relevant details (Companies Act, RBI guidelines, etc). iii. Application process. Issuer shall provide latest Audited or Limited Review Financials in line with timelines as mentioned in Simplified Lisitng Agreement issued by SEBI vide circular No.SEBI/IMD/BOND/1/2009/11/05 dated May 11, 2009 as amended from time to time , for furnishing / publishing its half yearly/ annual result.
subsidiary, JV entity, group company, etc) on behalf of whom it has been issued. vi. Details of Commercial Paper:- The total Face Value of Commercial Papers Outstanding as on the latest quarter end to be provided and its breakup in following table:Maturity Date Amt Outstanding
vii. Details of Rest of the borrowing ( if any including hybrid debt like FCCB, Optionally Convertible Debentures / Preference Shares ) as on .:Party Type of Amt Principal Repaym Credit Secured/ Secur Name Facility/ Sanctioned Amt ent Date Rating Unsecured ity ( in case Instrument /Issued outstan /Schedule of ding Facility) /Instrum ent Name
viii. Details of all default/s and/or delay in payments of interest and principal of any kind of term loans, debt securities and other financial indebtedness including corporate guarantee issued by the Company, in the past 5 years . ix. Details of any outstanding borrowings taken/debt securities issued where taken/issued (i) for consideration other than cash, whether in whole or part, (ii) at a premium or discount, or (iii) in pursuance of an option; h. Details of Promoters of the Company:i. Details of Promoter Holding in the Company as on the latest quarter end :Sr Name of the Total No of No of Total No of Shares %of Shares No shareholders Equity shares in shareholding Pledged pledged Shares demat as % of total with respect form no of equity to shares shares owned.
i.
j.
Abridged version of Audited Consolidated (wherever available) and Standalone Financial Information ( like Profit & Loss statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statement) for at least last three years and auditor qualifications , if any. * Abridged version of Latest Audited / Limited Review Half Yearly Consolidated (wherever available) and Standalone Financial
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Demat only (for private placement) Insert details of payment procedure
B.
Issue details a. Summary term sheet shall be provided which shall include at least following information (where relevant) pertaining to the Secured / Unsecured Non Convertible debt securities (or a series thereof):Name of the bond which includes (Issuer Name, Coupon and maturity year) e.g. 8.70% XXX 2015.
Trading mode of the Instrument Settlement mode of the Instrument Depository Business Day Convention2 Record Date
15 days prior to each Coupon Payment / Put Option Date / Call Option Date / Redemption date.
Security Name
Issuer Type of Instrument Nature of Instrument Seniority Mode of Issue Eligible Investors Listing ( including name of stock Exchange(s) where it will be listed and timeline for listing) Rating of the Instrument Issue Size Option to retain oversubscription ( Amount ) Objects of the Issue Details of the utilization of the Proceeds Coupon Rate Step Up/Step Down Coupon Rate1 Coupon Payment Frequency Coupon payment dates Coupon Type
Security (where applicable) (Including description, type of security, type of charge, likely date of creation of security, minimum security cover, revaluation, replacement of security). Transaction Documents 3 Conditions Precedent to Disbursement Condition Subsequent to Disbursement Events of Default Provisions related to Cross Default N/A ( Not Applicable) in case clause Clause is not there else full description of the clause to be provided Role and Responsibilities of Debenture Trustee Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Dates on which coupon will be paid. Fixed, floating or other coupon structure.
Coupon Reset Process (including rates, spread, effective date, interest rate cap and floor etc). Day Count Basis Actual/ Actual Interest on Application Money Default Interest Rate Tenor __ Months from the Deemed Date of Allotment Redemption Date Dates on which Principal will be repaid. Redemption Amount Redemption Premium /Discount Issue Price The price at which bond is issued Discount at which security is issued and the effective yield as a result of such discount. Put option Date Put option Price Call Option Date Call Option Price Put Notification Time Timelines by which the investor need to intimate Issuer before exercising the put option. Call Notification Time Timelines by which the Issuer need to intimate investor before exercising the call option. Face Value Rs 10 lakhs per instrument for all the issues Minimum Application and in multiples of __ Debt securities thereafter Issue Timing 1. Issue Opening Date 2. Issue Closing Date 3. Pay-in Date 4. Deemed Date of Allotment Issuance mode of the Instrument Demat only (for private placement)
Notes: 1. If there is any change in Coupon Rate rate pursuant to any event including elapse of certain time period or downgrade in rating , then such new Coupon Rate and events which lead to such change should be disclosed. 2. The procedure used to decide the dates on which the payment can be made and adjusting payment dates in response to days when payment can't be made due to any reason like sudden bank holiday etc., should be laid down. 3. The list of documents which has been executed or will be executed in connection with the issue and subscription of debt securities shall be annexed. b. In privately placed issues, additional Covenants shall be included as part of the Issue Details on the following lines, as per agreement between the issuer and investor: i. Security Creation (where applicable): In case of delay in execution of Trust Deed and Charge documents, the Company will refund the subscription with agreed rate of interest or will pay penal interest of atleast 2% p.a. over the coupon rate till these conditions are complied with at the option of the investor. ii. Default in Payment: In case of default in payment of Interest and/or principal redemption on the due dates, additional interest of atleast @ 2% p.a. over the coupon rate will be payable by the Company for the defaulting period iii. Delay in Listing: In case of delay in listing of the debt securities beyond 20 days from the deemed date of allotment, the Company will pay penal interest of atleast 1 % p.a. over the coupon rate
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issuance of specified securities." (iii) in regulation 5, (A) in sub-regulation (3), for the full stop, the symbol ":" shall be substituted; (B) after sub-regulation (3), the following proviso shall be inserted, namely, "Provided that where any of the merchant bankers is an associate of the issuer, it shall declare itself as a marketing lead manager and its role shall be limited to marketing of the issue." (iv) in regulation 10, in sub-regulation (1), in clause (b) the words "five thousand crore rupees" shall be substituted with the words "three thousand crore rupees"; (v) in regulation 11, after sub-regulation (4), the following new sub-regulation shall be inserted, namely"(5) An issue shall be opened after at least three working days from the date of registering the red herring prospectus with the Registrar of Companies." (vi) in regulation 13, in sub-regulation (2), in the proviso, the words "fifty per cent." shall be substituted with the words "seventy five per cent.". (vii)in regulation 26, in sub-regulation (1), for clause (b), the following shall be substituted, namely"(b) it has a minimum average pre-tax operating profit of rupees fifteen crore, calculated on a restated and consolidated basis, during the three most profitable years out of the immediately preceding five years." (viii) in regulation 26, sub-regulation (2) shall be substituted with the following, namely, "(2) An issuer not satisfying the condition stipulated in sub-regulation (1) may make an initial public offer if the issue is made through the book-building process and the issuer undertakes to allot, at least seventy five percent of the net offer to public, to qualified institutional buyers and to refund full subscription money if it fails to make the said minimum allotment to qualified institutional buyers." (ix) in regulation 30, (A) in sub-regulation (2), (i) the words "If the floor price or price band is not mentioned in the red herring prospectus," shall be omitted; (ii) the words "two working days" shall be substituted with the words "five working days"; (B) after sub-regulation (3), the following new subregulation shall be inserted, namely"(3A) The announcement referred to in subregulation (2) and the relevant financial ratios referred to in sub-regulation (3) shall be disclosed on the websites of those stock exchanges where the securities are proposed to be listed and shall also be pre-filled in the application forms available on the websites of the stock exchanges."
from the expiry of 30 days from the deemed date of allotment till the listing of such debt securities to the investor. The interest rates mentioned in above three cases are the minimum interest rates payable by the Company and are independent of each other."
U.K. Sinha
Chairman
17
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2012
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide Notification LAD-NRO/GN/2012-13/18/5391 dated 12.10.2012. Published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Part III - Section 4 dated 12.10.2012.] In exercise of the powers conferred by section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992), the Board hereby makes the following Regulations to further amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009, namely:1. These regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2012. 2. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 3. In the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009 (i) in regulation 2, in sub-regulation (1), after clause (n), the following new clause shall be inserted, namely "(na) "General Corporate Purposes" include such identified purposes for which no specific amount is allocated or any amount so specified towards General Corporate Purpose or any such purpose by whatever name called, in the draft offer document filed with the Board: Provided that any issue related expenses shall not be considered as a part of General Corporate Purpose merely because no specific amount has been allocated for such expenses in the draft offer document filed with the Board." (ii) in regulation 4, after sub-regulation (3), the following new sub-regulation shall be inserted, namely"(4) The amount for general corporate purposes, as mentioned in objects of the issue in the draft offer document filed with the Board, shall not exceed twenty five per cent of the amount raised by the issuer by
November 2012
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(x) in regulation 32, in sub-regulation (1) (A) in clause (a), for the symbol ";" the symbol ":" shall be substituted; (B) after clause (a) the following proviso shall be inserted, namely, "Provided that in case the post issue shareholding of the promoters is less than twenty per cent., alternative investment funds may contribute for the purpose of meeting the shortfall in minimum contribution as specified for promoters, subject to a maximum of ten per cent of the post issue capital." (xi) in regulation 33, in sub-regulation (1)A. in clause (b), after the words "acquired by promoters", the words "and alternative investment funds", shall be inserted. B. In clause (b), in the proviso, in para (i), after the words "if promoters", the words and symbol "/alternative investment funds, as applicable", shall be inserted. C. In clause (c), after the words "allotted to promoters", the words "and alternative investment funds", shall be inserted. (xii) in regulation 36, in clause (a), after the words "minimum promoters' contribution" and before the words "shall be", the words and symbols "including contribution made by alternative investment funds, referred to in proviso to clause (a) of sub- regulation (1) of regulation 32," shall be inserted. (xiii) in regulation 43, (A) sub-regulation (2) shall be substituted with the following, namely "(2) In an issue made through the book building process under sub-regulation (1) of regulation 26, the allocation in the net offer to public category shall be as follows: (a) not less than thirty five per cent to retail individual investors; (b) not less than fifteen per cent to non-institutional investors; (c) not more than fifty per cent to qualified institutional buyers, five per cent. of which shall be allocated to mutual funds: Provided that in addition to five per cent allocation available in terms of clause (c), mutual funds shall be eligible for allocation under the balance available for qualified institutional buyers."; (B) after sub-regulation (2), the following new subregulation shall be inserted, namely: "(2A) In an issue made through the book building process under sub-regulation (2) of regulation 26, the allocation in the net offer to public category shall be as follows: (a) not more than ten per cent to retail individual
investors; (b) not more than fifteen per cent to non-institutional investors; (c) not less than seventy five per cent to qualified institutional buyers, five per cent. of which shall be allocated to mutual funds: Provided that in addition to five per cent. allocation available in terms of clause (c), mutual funds shall be eligible for allocation under the balance available for qualified institutional buyers." (xiv) in regulation 49, in sub-regulation (1), the words "five thousand rupees to seven thousand rupees" shall be substituted with the words "ten thousand rupees to fifteen thousand rupees". (xv)in regulation 50,(A) in sub-regulation (1), after the words "to applicants other than" and before the words "anchor investors", the words "retail individual investors and" shall be inserted; (B) after sub-regulation (1) the following new subregulation shall be inserted, namely,"(1A) The allotment of specified securities to each retail individual investor shall not be less than the minimum bid lot, subject to availability of shares in retail individual investor category, and the remaining available shares, if any, shall be allotted on a proportionate basis." (xvi)after regulation 51, the following new regulation shall be inserted, namely,"Annual Updation of Offer Document 51A. The disclosures made in the red herring prospectus while making an initial public offer, shall be updated on an annual basis by the issuer and shall be made publicly accessible in the manner specified by the Board." (xvii) in regulation 57, in sub-regulation (2), (A) in clause (b), for the full stop the symbol ":" shall be substituted; (B) after clause (b), the following proviso shall be inserted, namely"Provided that in the case of a further public offer or a rights issue, the offer document shall be deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of this regulation, if suitable references are made to the updated disclosures in the offer document referred to in regulation 51A of these regulations." (xviii)in regulation 85, (A) in sub-regulation (1), for the full stop the symbol ":" shall be substituted; (B) after sub-regulation (1), following proviso shall be inserted, namely, -
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CHARTERED SECRETARY
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substituted, namely,- "(i) The retail individual investors may either withdraw or revise their bids until finalization of allotment." (II) for clause (j), the following clause shall be substituted, namely,"(j) The qualified institutional buyers and the non-institutional investors shall neither withdraw nor lower the size of their bids at any stage." (B) in para 15, (I) in clause (a),(i) the words and symbol "retail individual investors," shall be omitted; (ii) after the full stop, the following shall be inserted namely,- "The allotment to retail individual investors shall be made as referred to in sub-regulation (1A) of regulation 50 of these regulations." (II) in clause (b), in the proviso, the symbol and words ", in case the book building process is undertaken for the purpose of compliance of eligibility conditions for public issue" shall be omitted. (xxiii) for Schedule XIV, the following shall be substituted, namely:" Schedule XIV [See regulation 49 (2)] ILLUSTRATION EXPLAINING MINIMUM APPLICATION SIZE For inviting applications in multiples of the minimum value as referred to in sub-regulation (2) of regulation 49, the procedure is clarified by following example: Assuming an issue is being made at a price of Rs.900 per equity share. In this case, the issuer in consultation with the lead merchant banker can determine the minimum application lot within the range of 12 - 16 equity shares (in value terms between Rs.10,000- Rs.15,000), as explained hereunder:
I 12 shares Application / Bid amount for 1 lots 10800 Application / Bid amount for 2 lots 21600 Application / Bid amount for 4 lots 43200 Application / Bid amount for 8 lots 86400 Application / Bid amount for 16 lots 172800 Application / Bid amount for 18 lots 194400 Options Lot Size @ Rs.900/- per share II 13 shares 11700 23400 46800 93600 187200 -III 14 shares 12600 25200 50400 100800 --IV V 15 16 shares shares 13500 14400 27000 28800 54000 57600 108000 115200 -----
"Provided that the issuer may offer a discount of not more than five per cent. on the price so calculated for the qualified institutions placement, subject to approval of shareholders as specified in clause (a) of regulation 82 of these regulations." (xix) in Schedule VI, in Form A, after para (16), following new Para shall be inserted, namely "(17) We certify that profits from related party transactions have arisen from legitimate business transactions." (xx)in Schedule VII, (A) in para (1),(I) in clause (d), (i) the words "or deletion" shall be omitted; (ii) the words "a change" shall be substituted with the words an increase "; (iii)the words "ten per cent" shall be substituted with the words "twenty per cent"; (iv)after the full stop, the following shall be inserted, namely,"However, if there are grounds to believe that there is an exacerbation of risk on account of deletion of an object resulting in a decrease in issue size by more than twenty per cent., the Board may require fresh filing of the offer document along with fees." (II) in clause (e), the words "ten per cent" shall be substituted with the words "twenty per cent"; (III)in clause (f), (i) the word "or decrease" shall be omitted; (ii) the words "ten per cent." shall be substituted with the words "twenty per cent.". (B) in para (2), in clause (a), in sub-clause (iii), the words and symbols "by not more than 10%" shall be substituted with the words and symbols "by more than 10% and not exceeding 20%." (xxi)in Schedule VIII, in Part A, in para 2, in item (I), in sub-item (A), in clause (2), in sub- clause (i), after the full stop, the following shall be inserted, namely,"Where any of the merchant bankers is an associate of the issuer, it shall disclose the same and shall declare itself to be a 'Marketing Lead Manager'." (xxii) in Schedule XI, in Part A,(A) in para 12, (I) for clause (i), the following clause shall be
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1438
The options given above are only illustrative and not exhaustive. Where the issuer in consultation with the lead merchant banker decides to fix the minimum application / bid size as 14 (Option III), necessary disclosures to the effect that the applicant can make an application for 14 shares and in
(GN-253)
From the
Government
multiples thereof shall be made in the offer document. " (xxiv) for Schedule XV, the following shall be substituted, namely:"Schedule XV [See regulation 50 (2), 106 and Schedule XI] ILLUSTRATION EXPLAINING PROCEDURE OF ALLOTMENT A. (1) Total no. of specified securities on offer@ Rs. 600 per share: 1 crore specified securities. (2) Specified securities on offer for retail individual investors' category: 35 lakh specified securities. (3) The issue is over-subscribed 2.5 times whereas the retail individual investors' category is oversubscribed 4 times. (4) Issuer decides to fix the minimum application / bid size as 20 specified securities (falling within the range of Rs. 10,000 - 15,000). Application can be made for a minimum of 20 specified securities and in multiples thereof. (5) Assume that a total of one lakh retail individual investors have applied in the issue, in varying number of bid lots i.e. between 1 - 16 bid lots, based on the maximum application size of upto Rs. 2,00,000. (6) Out of the one lakh investors, there are five retail individual investors A, B, C, D and E who have applied as follows: A has applied for 320 specified securities. B has applied for 220 specified securities. C has applied for 120 specified securities. D has applied for 60 specified securities and E has applied for 20 specified securities. (7) As per allotment procedure, the allotment to retail individual investors shall not be less than the minimum bid lot, subject to availability of shares, and the remaining available shares, if any, shall be allotted on a proportionate basis. The actual entitlement shall be as follows:
Sr. Name of No. Investor 1 A Total Number of specified securities applied for 320 Total number of specified securities eligible to be allotted 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 38 specified securities [{35,00,000 (1,00,000 * 20)} / {140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 300 (i.e. 320-20) 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 25 specified securities [{35,00,000 (1,00,000 * 20) / {140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 200 (i.e. 220-20) 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 13 specified securities [{35,00,000 (1,00,000 * 20)} / {(140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 100 (i.e. 120-20) 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot) + 5 specified securities [{(35,00,000 1,00,000 * 20)} / {(140,00,000 - (1,00,000 * 20)}] * 40 (i.e. 60-20) 20 specified securities (i.e. the minimum bid lot)
B. (1) Total no. of specified securities on offer @ Rs. 600 per share: 1 crore specified securities. (2) Specified securities on offer for retail individual investors' category: 35 lakh specified securities. (3) The issue is over subscribed 7 times whereas the retail individual investors' category is over subscribed 9.37 times. (4) Issuer decides to fix the minimum application / bid size as 20 specified securities (falling within the range of Rs. 10,000 - 15,000). Application can be made for a minimum of 20 specified securities and in multiples thereof. (5) Assume that a total of two lakh retail individual investors have applied in the issue, in varying number of bid lots i.e. between 1 - 16 bid lots, based on the maximum application size of upto Rs. 2,00,000, as per the table shown below. (6) As per allotment procedure, the allotment to retail individual investors shall not be less than the minimum bid lot, subject to availability of shares. (7) Since the total number of shares on offer to retail individual investors is 35,00,000 and the minimum bid lot is 20 shares, the maximum no. of investors who can be allotted this minimum bid lot will be 1,75,000. In other words, 1,75,000 retail applicants will get the minimum bid lot and the remaining 25,000 retail applicants will not get allotment. The details of allotment shall be as follows:
No. No. of No. of retail Total No. of of Shares at Investors Shares applied Lots each lot applying at for at each lot each lot A B C D=(B*C) 1 20 10,000 2,00,000 2 40 10,000 4,00,000 3 60 10,000 6,00,000 4 80 10,000 8,00,000 5 100 20,000 20,00,000 6 120 20,000 24,00,000 7 140 15,000 21,00,000 8 160 20,000 32,00,000 9 180 10,000 18,00,000 10 200 15,000 30,00,000 11 220 10,000 22,00,000 12 240 10,000 24,00,000 13 260 10,000 26,00,000 14 280 5,000 14,00,000 15 300 15,000 45,00,000 16 320 10,000 32,00,000 Total 2,00,000 328,00,000 No. of investors who shall receive minimum bid-lot (to be selected on lottery) E 8,750=(1,75,000/2,00,000)*10,000 8,750 8,750 8,750 17,500 17,500 13,125 17,500 8,750 13,125 8,750 8,750 8,750 4,375 13,125 8,750 1,75,000
220
120
Note: For the purpose of IDR, minimum application size shall be twenty thousand rupees."
U.K. Sinha
Chairman
60
20
(GN-254)
1439
CHARTERED SECRETARY
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shall be omitted. D. after sub-regulation (6), the following new subregulation shall be inserted, namely"(6A) In addition to the limits specified in subregulation (6), the following costs or expenses may be charged to the scheme, namely(a) brokerage and transaction costs which are incurred for the purpose of execution of trade and is included in the cost of investment, not exceeding 0.12 per cent in case of cash market transactions and 0.05 per cent in case of derivatives transactions; (b) expenses not exceeding of 0.30 per cent of daily net assets, if the new inflows from such cities as specified by the Board from time to time are at least (i) 30 per cent of gross new inflows in the scheme, or; (ii) 15 per cent of the average assets under management (year to date) of the scheme, whichever is higher: Provided that if inflows from such cities is less than the higher of sub-clause (i) or sub- clause (ii), such expenses on daily net assets of the scheme shall be charged on proportionate basis: Provided further that expenses charged under this clause shall be utilised for distribution expenses incurred for bringing inflows from such cities: Provided further that amount incurred as expense on account of inflows from such cities shall be credited back to the scheme in case the said inflows are redeemed within a period of one year from the date of investment; (c) additional expenses, incurred towards different heads mentioned under sub-regulations (2) and (4), not exceeding 0.20 per cent of daily net assets of the scheme.". D. in sub-regulation (7), the words, symbols and number "sub-regulation (6)" shall be substituted with the words, symbols and numbers "subregulations (6) and (6A)". iv. for regulation 59, the following shall be substituted, namely"Half-yearly Disclosures. 59. (1) A mutual fund and asset management company shall within one month from the close of each half year, that is on 31st March and on 30th September, host a soft copy of its unaudited financial results on their website: Provided that the half-yearly unaudited report referred to in this sub-regulation shall contain details as specified in Twelfth Schedule and such other details as are necessary for the purpose of providing a true and fair view of the operations of the mutual fund. (2) A mutual fund and asset management company, shall publish an advertisement
18
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2012.
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide Notification LAD-NRO/GN/2012-13/17/21502 dated 26.09.2012. Published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Part III - Section 4 dated 26.09.2012.] In exercise of the powers conferred under section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992), the Board hereby makes the following regulations to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996, namely:1 These regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2012. 2 These regulations shall come into force on the first day of October, 2012. 3 In the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 i. in regulation 48, sub-regulation (2) and the proviso shall be substituted with the following, namely "(2) The Net Asset Value of the scheme shall be calculated on daily basis and published in at least two daily newspapers having circulation all over India.". ii. after regulation 51, the following new regulation shall be inserted, namely"Credit of exit load to scheme. 51A.The exit load charged, if any, after the commencement of the SEBI (Mutual Funds) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2012, shall be credited to the scheme." iii. in regulation 52,A. sub- regulation (2) shall be substituted with the following, namely"(2) The asset management company may charge the scheme with investment and advisory fees which shall be fully disclosed in the offer document.". B. in sub-regulation (4), the words "mutual fund" shall be substituted with the word "scheme". C. in sub-regulation (6),I. for clause (a), the following shall be substituted, namely"(a) in case of a fund of funds scheme, the total expenses of the scheme including weighted average of charges levied by the underlying schemes shall not exceed 2.50 per cent of the daily net assets of the scheme.". II. in clause (b), the words "weekly average" shall be substituted with the words "daily". III. in clause (c), the words "or average weekly" and "or weekly average" wherever appearing
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CHARTERED SECRETARY
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"(ac) "control" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it under clause (e) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 2 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 or any modification thereof;" after clause (d), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:"(da) "governing board" means the board of directors of a depository;" after clause (e), the following clauses shall be inserted, namely:"(ea) "key management personnel" means a person serving as head of any department or in such senior executive position that stands higher in hierarchy to the head(s) of department(s) in the depository or in any other position as declared so by such depository; (eb) "persons acting in concert" in the context of acquisition or holding of shares or voting rights or control shall mutatis mutandis have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (q) of subregulation (1) of regulation 2 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011 or any modification thereof; (ec) "public interest director" means an independent director, representing the interests of investors in securities market and who is not having any association, directly or indirectly, which in the opinion of the Board, is in conflict with his role; (ed) "regulatory department" means a department of a depository which is entrusted with regulatory powers and duties and includes such department as may be specified by the Board;" after clause (f), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:"(fa) "shareholder director" means a director who represents the interest of shareholders, and elected or nominated by such shareholders;" for sub-regulation (2), the following sub-regulation shall be substituted, namely:"(2) Words and expressions used and not defined in these regulations but defined in the Act, the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, the Depositories Act, 1996, the Companies Act, 1956 or any rules or regulations made thereunder shall have the same meanings respectively assigned to them in those Acts, rules or regulations made thereunder or any statutory modification or reenactment thereto, as the case may be."
disclosing the hosting of such financial results on their website, in atleast one English daily newspaper having nationwide circulation and in a newspaper having wide circulation published in the language of the region where the Head Office of the mutual fund is situated.". v. In Twelfth Schedule, in serial number 6.5, the words and symbols "daily/weekly average" wherever appearing shall be substituted with the word "daily".
U.K. Sinha
Chairman
(e)
(f)
19
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide Notification LAD-NRO/GN/2012-13/15/20426 dated 11.09.2012. Published in the Gazette of India (Extraordinary) Part III - Section 4 dated 11.09.2012.] In exercise of the powers conferred by section 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992) read with section 25 of the Depositories Act, 1996 (22 of 1996), the Board hereby makes the following Regulations to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996, namely:1. These Regulations may be called the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012. 2. They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 3. In the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) Regulations, 1996,(i). In regulation 2,(a) in sub-regulation (1), for the opening sentence, the following sentence shall be substituted, namely:"In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms used in these regulations shall bear the meanings assigned to them below, and their cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly,- " (b) clause "(aa)" shall be renumbered as "(ab)"; (c) after clause (a), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:"(aa) "associate" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it under clause (b) of sub-regulation (1) of regulation 2 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations) Regulations, 2012 or any modification thereof;" (d) after renumbered clause "(ab)" the following clause shall be inserted, namely:-
(g)
(h)
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(5) Any person holding more than two per cent. of the paid up equity share capital in a depository shall file a declaration within fifteen days from the end of every financial year to the depository that he complies with the fit and proper criteria. (6) Save as otherwise provided in these regulations, the shareholding or voting rights of any person in a depository shall not exceed the limits specified in these regulations at any point of time. (7) For determining the shareholding of any person in a depository as specified in these regulations, any instrument held, owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by him that entitles him the voting rights or provides for entitlement to voting rights or equity shares or any other rights over equity shares at any future date, shall also be included." (v). In regulation 7, (a) after clause (c), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:"(cc) the depository complies with the shareholding and governance structure requirements specified in these regulations;" (b) in clause (d), for the full stop, a colon shall be substituted. (c) after clause (d), the following provisos shall be inserted, namely:"Provided that a recognised stock exchange that is a sponsor of any depository shall not hold more than twenty four per cent. of the paid up equity share capital of that depository: Provided further that any such recognised stock exchange holding more than twenty four per cent. of the paid up equity share capital in a depository as on the date of commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012, shall reduce its holding in the depository to twenty four per cent. within a period of three years from the date of such commencement;" (d) after clause (i), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:"(j) any other condition as the Board may deem fit in the interest of securities market." (vi). After Chapter II, the following Chapter shall be inserted, namely,-
(ii). In regulation 6, (a) the existing regulation shall be numbered as subregulation (1). (b) the clause (viii) of so numbered sub-regulation (1), shall be omitted. (c) after sub-regulation (1), the following subregulation shall be inserted, namely:"(2) The Board shall not consider an application under regulation 3, unless the applicant/sponsor is a fit and proper person." (iii).For regulation 6A, the following shall be substituted, namely:"Requirement of fit and proper. 6A. (1) Every depository, its sponsor, shareholder and participant shall satisfy the fit and proper criteria at all times. (2) For the purpose of determining whether an applicant, depository, its sponsor, shareholder, director and key management personnel or a participant, is a 'fit and proper person' under these regulations, the Board may take into consideration the criteria specified in Schedule II of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008. (3) If any question arises as to whether a person is fit and proper, the Board's decision on such question shall be final." (iv).After regulation 6A, the following regulation shall be inserted, namely:"Eligibility for acquiring or holding shares in a depository. 6B. (1) No person shall, directly or indirectly, acquire or hold equity shares or voting rights of a depository unless he is a fit and proper person. (2) Any person who, directly or indirectly, either individually or together with persons acting in concert, acquires equity shares such that his shareholding exceeds two percent. of the paid up equity share capital of a depository, shall seek approval of the Board within fifteen days of the acquisition. (3) Any person holding more than two per cent. of the paid up equity share capital of the depository on the date of commencement of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012, shall seek approval of the Board within a period of ninety days from the date of such commencement. (4) If approval under sub-regulation (2) or (3) is not granted by the Board to any person, such person shall forthwith divest his excess shareholding.
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"CHAPTER IIA GOVERNANCE OF DEPOSITORY Governing board, disclosures and corporate governance. 9A(1) The governing board of every depository shall include: (a) shareholder directors; (b) public interest directors; and, (c) managing director. (2) Subject to prior approval of the Board, the chairperson
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shall be elected by the governing board from amongst the public interest directors. (3) The number of public interest directors shall not be less than the number of shareholder directors in a depository. (4) The managing director shall be an ex-officio director on the governing board and shall not be included in either the category of public interest directors or shareholder directors. (5) Any employee of a depository may be appointed on the governing board in addition to the managing director, and such director shall be deemed to be a shareholder director. (6) Atleast one public interest director shall be present in the meetings of the governing board to constitute the quorum. (7) The disclosure requirements and corporate governance norms as specified for listed companies shall mutatis mutandis apply to a depository. (8) Every existing depository shall comply with this regulation within a period of three months from the date of commencement of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Depositories and Participants) (Amendment) Regulations, 2012. Conditions of appointment of directors. 9B. (1) The appointment and re-appointment of all shareholder directors on the governing board of every depository shall be with the prior approval of the Board. (2) The public interest directors on the governing board of a depository shall be nominated by the Board. 3) Public interest directors shall be nominated for a term of three years, or for such extended period, as may be approved by the Board: Provided that such term shall be subject to retirement and reappointment. (4) If any issue arises as to whether an assignment or position of a public interest director is in conflict with his role, the Board's decision shall be final. (5) Upon completion of a term of three years as per subregulation (3), a public interest director may be renominated after a cooling-off period of one year or such period as the Board may deem fit in the interest of the securities market. (6) Public interest directors shall be paid only sitting fees as specified in the Companies Act, 1956. Appointment of managing director. 9C. (1) The appointment, renewal of appointment and termination of service of the managing director of a depository shall be subject to prior approval of the Board. (2) Every depository shall, subject to the guidelines issued by the Board from time to time, determine the qualification, manner of appointment, terms and conditions of appointment and other procedural formalities relating to the selection/ appointment of the managing director. (3) The appointment of the managing director shall be for a tenure not less than three years and not exceeding five years. (4) The managing director of a depository shall not(a) be a shareholder or an associate of a shareholder
of a depository or shareholder of an associate of a depository; (b) be a depository participant, or his associate and agent, or shareholder of a depository participant or shareholder of an associate and agent of a depository participant; or (c) hold any position concurrently in the subsidiary of a depository or in any other entity associated with a depository: Provided that the managing director of a depository may be appointed on the governing board, but not as managing director, of the subsidiary or associate of a depository. (5) The managing director shall be liable for removal or termination of services by the governing board of the depository with the prior approval of the Board for failure to give effect to the directions, guidelines and other orders issued by the Board, or the rules, instructions, the articles of association and bye-laws of the depository. (6) The Board may suo motu remove or terminate the appointment of the managing director if deemed fit in the interest of securities market: Provided that no managing director shall be removed unless he has been given a reasonable opportunity of being heard. Code of Conduct for directors and key management personnel. 9D. (1) Every director of a depository shall abide by the Code of Conduct specified under Part-A of Fourth Schedule of these regulations. (2) Every director and key management personnel of a depository shall abide by the Code of Ethics specified under Part-B of Fourth Schedule of these regulations. (3) Every director and key management personnel of a depository shall satisfy the fit and proper person criteria at all times as per sub-regulation (2) of regulation 6A. (4) The Board may, for any failure by the directors to abide by these regulations or the Code of Conduct or Code of Ethics or in case of any conflict of interest, either upon a reference from the depository or suo motu, take appropriate action including removal or termination of the appointment of any director, after providing him a reasonable opportunity of being heard. Compensation and tenure of key management personnel. 9E. (1) A depository shall constitute a compensation committee comprising a majority of public interest directors and chaired by a public interest director. (2)The compensation committee shall determine the compensation of key management personnel in terms of a compensation policy. (3) The compensation policy shall be in accordance with the norms specified by the Board. (4) The compensation payable to the managing director shall
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an Investor Protection Fund for the protection of interest of beneficial owners: Provided that this Fund shall not be used by the depository for the purpose of indemnifying the beneficial owner under section 16 of the Depositories Act, 1996. (2) Every depository shall credit twenty five per cent. of its profits every year to the Investor Protection Fund. (3) The contribution to and utilization of the Investor Protection Fund shall be in accordance with the norms specified by the Board." (xi).After regulation 58B, the following regulation shall be inserted, namely:"Equal, fair and transparent access. 58C. A depository shall ensure equal, unrestricted, transparent and fair access to all persons without any bias towards its associates and related entities." (xii). After Chapter V, the following Chapter shall be inserted, namely:-
be as approved by the Board and the terms and conditions of the compensation of the managing director shall not be changed without prior approval of the Board. (5) The compensation given to the key management personnel shall be disclosed in the Report of the depository under section 217 of the Companies Act, 1956. (6) The tenure of a key management personnel, other than a director, in a department, shall be for a fixed period, as may be decided by the compensation committee. Segregation of regulatory departments. 9F. The depository shall segregate its regulatory departments from other departments in the manner specified in Fifth Schedule of these regulations." (vii). After regulation 13, the following regulation shall be inserted, namely: "Networth certificate. 13A. (1) Every depository shall maintain networth as specified under regulation 13 at all times and submit an audited networth certificate from the statutory auditor on a yearly basis by the thirtieth day of September of every year for the preceding financial year. Explanation. - For the purposes of this regulation, 'networth of a depository' means the aggregate value of paid up equity share capital plus free reserves (excluding statutory funds, benefit funds and reserves created out of revaluation) reduced by the investments in businesses, whether related or unrelated, aggregate value of accumulated losses and deferred expenditure not written off, including miscellaneous expenses not written off. (2) Every depository shall within one month of the date of the holding of its annual general meeting, furnish to the Board a copy of its audited balance-sheet and profit and loss account for the preceding financial year." (viii). After regulation 14, the following regulation shall be inserted, namely: "Depository to abide by the Code of Conduct. 14A. The depository holding a certificate of commencement of business shall, at all times, abide by the Code of Conduct as specified in the Sixth Schedule." (ix). After regulation 35, the following regulation shall be inserted, namely: "Business Continuity Plan. 35A. A depository shall have adequate Business Continuity Plan for data and electronic records to prevent, prepare for, and recover from any disaster." (x). After regulation 53B, the following regulation shall be inserted, namely;"Investor Protection Fund. 53C.(1) Every depository shall establish and maintain
November 2012 CHARTERED SECRETARY
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may, either suo motu or on receipt of any information or during pendency of any inspection, inquiry or investigation or on completion thereof, in the interest of public or trade or investors or the securities market, issue such directions as it deems fit, including but not limited to any or all of the following:(a) directing a person holding equity shares or rights over equity shares in a depository in contravention of these regulations to divest his holding, in such manner as may be specified in the direction; (b) directing transfer of any proceeds or securities to the Investor Protection Fund of a depository; (c) debarring any depository, any shareholder of such depository, or any associate and agent of such shareholder, or any transferee of shares from such shareholder, or sponsor(s), director(s) and key management personnel(s) of the depository from accessing the securities market and/or dealing in securities for such period as may be determined by the Board. Power to remove difficulties. 72. In order to remove any difficulties in the interpretation or application of the provisions of these regulations, the Board shall have the power to issue directions through guidance notes or circulars. Power to specify procedures, etc. and issue clarifications. 73. For the purposes of implementation of these regulations and matters incidental thereto, the Board may specify norms, procedures, processes, manners or guidelines as specified in these regulations, by way of circulars.". (xiv). After Third Schedule, the following schedules shall be inserted, namely:
"FOURTH SCHEDULE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (DEPOSITORIES AND PARTICIPANTS) REGULATIONS, 1996 [See regulation 9D]
Part-A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DIRECTORS i. Meetings and minutes. Every director of the depository shall: a) not participate in discussions on any subject matter in which any conflict of interest exists or arises, whether pecuniary or otherwise, and in such cases the same shall be disclosed and recorded in the minutes of the meeting; b) not encourage the circulation of agenda papers during the meeting, unless circumstances so require; c) offer their comments on the draft minutes and ensure
that the same are incorporated in the final minutes; d) insist on the minutes of the previous meeting being placed for approval in subsequent meeting; e) endeavour to have the date of next meeting fixed at each governing board meeting in consultation with other members of the governing board; f) endeavour that in case all the items of the agenda of a meeting were not covered for want of time, the next meeting is held within fifteen days for considering the remaining items. ii. Code of Conduct for the public interest directors. a) In addition to the conditions stated in Para (i) above, public interest directors of the depository shall, endeavour to attend all the governing board meetings and they shall be liable to vacate office if they remain absent for three consecutive meetings of the governing board or do not attend seventy five per cent. of the total meetings of the governing board in a calendar year. b) Public interest directors shall meet separately, at least once in six months to exchange views on critical issues. iii. Strategic planning. Every director of the depository shall: a) participate in the formulation and execution of strategies in the best interest of the depository and contribute towards pro-active decision making at the governing board level; b) give benefit of their experience and expertise to the depository and provide assistance in strategic planning and execution of decisions. iv. Regulatory compliances. Every director of the depository shall: a) endeavour to ensure that the depository abides by all the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, Depositories Act, 1996, rules and regulations framed thereunder and the circulars, directions issued by the Board from time to time; b) endeavour compliance at all levels so that the regulatory system does not suffer any breaches; c) endeavour to ensure that the depository takes commensurate steps to honour the time limit prescribed by Board for corrective action; d) not support any decision in the meeting of the governing board which may adversely affect the interest of investors and shall report forthwith any such decision to the Board. v. General responsibility. Every director of the depository shall: a) place priority for redressing investor grievances; b) endeavour to analyze and administer the depository issues with professional competence, fairness,
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ii. Ethics committee. For overseeing implementation of this Code, an ethics committee shall be constituted by every depository under the governing board. iii. General standards. a) Directors and key management personnel shall endeavour to promote greater awareness and understanding of ethical responsibilities. b) Directors and key management personnel, in the conduct of their business shall observe high standards of commercial honour and just and equitable principles of trade. c) The conduct of directors and key management personnel in business life should be exemplary. d) Directors and key management personnel shall not use their position to give/get favours to/from the executive or administrative staff of the depository, suppliers of the depository, or any issuer company admitted to the depository. e) Directors and key management personnel shall not commit any act which will put the reputation of the depository, in jeopardy. f) Directors, committee members and key management personnel of the depository, should comply with all rules and regulations applicable to the securities market. iv. Disclosure of dealings in securities by key management personnel of the depository. a) Key management personnel of the depository shall disclose on a periodic basis as determined by the depository (which could be monthly), all their dealings in securities, directly or indirectly, to the governing board/ethics committee/ Compliance Officer. b) The dealings in securities shall also be subject to trading restrictions for securities about which key management personnel in the depository may have non-public price sensitive information. Requirement laid down under Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 1992 may be referred in this regard. c) All transactions must be of an investment nature and not speculative in nature. Towards this end, all securities purchased must be held for a minimum period of 60 days before they are sold. However, in specific/exceptional circumstances, sale can be effected anytime by obtaining pre-clearance from the Compliance Officer to waive this condition after recording in writing his satisfaction in this regard. Explanation. -'securities' for the purpose of this Code shall not include units of mutual fund. v. Disclosure of dealings in securities by directors of the depository.
impartiality, efficiency and effectiveness; c) submit the necessary disclosures/statement of holdings/dealings in securities as required by the depository from time to time as per their bye-laws or Articles of Association; d) unless otherwise required by law, maintain confidentiality and shall not divulge/disclose any information obtained in the discharge of their duty and no such information shall be used for personal gains; e) maintain the highest standards of personal integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fortitude in discharge of their duties in order to inspire public confidence and shall not engage in acts discreditable to their responsibilities; f) perform their duties in an independent and objective manner and avoid activities that may impair, or may appear to impair, their independence or objectivity or official duties; g) perform their duties with a positive attitude and constructively support open communication, creativity, dedication, and compassion; h) not engage in any act involving moral turpitude, dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation or any other act prejudicial to the administration of the depository. Part-B CODE OF ETHICS FOR DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL The 'Code of Ethics' for directors and key management personnel of the depository, is aimed at improving the professional and ethical standards in the functioning of depository thereby creating better investor confidence in the integrity of the market. i. Objectives and underlying principles. The Code of Ethics for directors and key management personnel of the depository seeks to establish a minimum level of business/ professional ethics to be followed by these directors and key management personnel, towards establishing a fair and transparent marketplace. The Code of Ethics is based on the following fundamental principles: l Fairness and transparency in dealing with matters relating to the depository and the investors. l Compliance with all laws/rules/regulations laid down by regulatory agencies/depositories. l Exercising due diligence in the performance of duties. l Avoidance of conflict of interest between self interest of directors/ key management personnel and interests of depository and investors.
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a) All transactions in securities by the directors and their family shall be disclosed to the governing board of the depository. b) All directors shall also disclose the trading conducted by firms/corporate entities in which they hold twenty per cent. or more beneficial interest or hold a controlling interest, to the Ethics Committee. c) Directors who are Govt. of India nominees or nominees of Govt. of India statutory bodies or financial institutions and are governed by their own codes shall be exempt from this requirement. vi. Avoidance of conflict of interest. a) No director of the governing board or member of any committee of the depository shall participate in any decision making/adjudication in respect of any person /matter in which he is in any way, directly or indirectly, concerned or interested. b) Whether there is any conflict of interest or not in a matter, should be decided by the governing board. vii. Disclosures of beneficial interest. All directors and key management personnel shall disclose to the governing board, upon assuming office and during their tenure in office, whenever the following arises:a) any fiduciary relationship of self and family members and directorship/partnership of self and family members in any depository participant or registrar and transfer agent; b) shareholding, in cases where the shareholding of the director, directly or through his family exceeds five per cent. in any listed company or in other entities related to the securities markets; c) any other business interests. viii. Role of the Chairman and directors in the day to day functioning of the depository. a) The Chairman and directors shall not interfere in the day to day functioning of the depository and shall limit their role to decision making on policy issues and to issues as the governing board may decide. b) The Chairman and directors shall abstain from influencing the employees of the depository in conducting their day to day activities. c) The Chairman and directors shall not be directly involved in the function of appointment and promotion of employees unless specifically so decided by the governing board. ix. Access to information. a) Directors shall call for information only as part of specific committees or as may be authorised by the governing board. b) There shall be prescribed channels through which information shall move and further there shall be audit
trail of the same. Any retrieval of confidential documents/ information shall be properly recorded. c) All such information, especially which is non-public and price sensitive, shall be kept confidential and not be used for any personal consideration/ gain. d) Any information relating to the business/operations of the depository, which may come to the knowledge of directors/ key management personnel during performance of their duties shall be held in strict confidence, shall not be divulged to any third party and shall not be used in any manner except for the performance of their duties. x. Misuse of position. Directors/committee members shall not use their position to obtain business or any pecuniary benefit in the organization for themselves or family members. xi. Ethics committee to lay down procedures. a) The ethics committee shall lay down procedures for the implementation of the Code and prescribe reporting formats for the disclosures required under the Code. b) The Compliance Officer shall execute the requirements laid down by the ethics committee. While the objective of this Code is to enhance the level of market integrity and investor confidence, it is emphasized that a written Code of ethics may not completely guarantee adherence to high ethical standards. This can be accomplished only if directors and key management personnel of the depository commit themselves to the task of enhancing the fairness and integrity of the system in letter and spirit.
FIFTH SCHEDULE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (DEPOSITORIES AND PARTICIPANTS) REGULATIONS, 1996 [See regulation 9F]
MEASUSRES TO ENSURE AUTONOMY OF REGULATORY DEPARTMENTS In order to ensure the segregation of regulatory departments, every depository shall adopt a "Chinese Wall" policy which separates the regulatory departments of the depository from the other departments. The employees in the regulatory departments shall not communicate any information concerning regulatory activity to any one in other departments. The employees in regulatory areas may be physically segregated from employees in other departments including with respect to access controls. In exceptional circumstances employees from other departments may be given confidential information on "need to know" basis, under intimation to the Compliance Officer. For the purposes of the above, "regulatory areas" shall mean
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those departments of a depository which are mandated by law or those entrusted with regulatory powers and duties, and may include departments performing the following functions: (i) risk management; (ii) surveillance; (iii) participant registration; (iv) Issuer/ securities admission; (v) compliance; (vi) inspection; (vii) enforcement; (viii) arbitration; (ix) investor protection; (x) investor services.
20
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide Notification CIR/CFD/DIL/13/2012 dated 25.09.2012.] 1. ASBA facility was introduced by SEBI in July 2008, as an alternative mode of payment in the public/rights issue processes. In its continuing endeavour to make the facility more efficient, SEBI reviewed the facility on a continuous basis and following reforms were introduced:
Sr. No Circular 1. May 16, 2011 2. April 29, 2011 3. 4. 5. October 12, 2010 July 13, 2010 April 06, 2010 Reform Discount at the time of application Defined process for Syndicate ASBA, QIBs & NII mandated to use ASBA facility Syndicate ASBA enabled ASBA forms made available online ASBA facility extended to QIBs
SIXTH SCHEDULE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (DEPOSITORIES AND PARTICIPANTS) REGULATIONS, 1996 [See regulation 14A] CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DEPOSITORIES 1. A depository shall always abide by the provisions of the Act, Depositories Act, 1996, Rules, Regulations, circulars, guidelines and any other directions issued by the Board. 2. A depository shall take appropriate measures towards investor protection and education of investors. 3. A depository shall treat all its applicants/participants in a fair and transparent manner. 4. A depository shall promptly inform the Board of violations of the provisions of the Act, Depositories Act, the rules, the regulations, circulars, guidelines or any other directions by any of its participants, issuer or issuer's agent. 5. A depository shall take a proactive and responsible attitude towards safeguarding the interests of investors, integrity of the depository system and the securities market. 6. A depository shall make endeavors for introduction of best business practices amongst itself and its participants. 7. A depository shall act in utmost good faith and shall avoid conflict of interest in the conduct of its functions. 8. A depository shall not indulge in unfair competition, which is likely to harm the interests of any other depository, participants or investors or is likely to place them in a disadvantageous position while competing for or executing any assignment. 9. A depository shall be responsible for the acts or omissions of its employees in respect of the conduct of its business. 10. A depository shall monitor the compliance of the rules and regulations by the participants and shall further ensure that their conduct is in a manner that will safeguard the interest of investors and the securities market."
U.K. Sinha
Chairman
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1448
2. The Hon'ble Finance Minister, while presenting Union Budget 2012-13 announced, inter alia, his intention of simplifying the process of Initial Public Offers (IPOs), lowering capital raising cost and helping companies reach more retail investors in small towns. 3. Based on the analysis of the current presence of ASBA facility, it is felt that there is substantial scope for increasing the reach of ASBA facility to make the application process more convenient for investors. 4. Towards this end, consultations were held with Reserve Bank of India, Indian Banks Association and other market participants, to explore the possibility of providing ASBA facility at all branches of Self Certified Syndicate Banks (SCSBs). 5. Based on the feedback received in this regard, it has been decided to increase the number of branches designated for ASBA, in a phased manner as under: a. First phase Fifty percent (50) of the total branches as designated branches for ASBA: Each SCSB is advised to designate 50% of its total branches as Designated Branches for ASBA by October 31, 2012. b. Second Phase All the branches as designated branches for ASBA: E a c h SCSB is advised to designate all of its branches as Designated Branches for ASBA by December 31, 2012. 6. All SCSBs shall submit a status report for each phase of the circular in the format prescribed at Annexure I, within 15 days from the due date of the phase respectively. 7. This circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 11 read with Section 11A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
(GN-263)
From the
Government
8. This circular is available on SEBI website at www.sebi.gov.in under the categories Legal Framework and Issues and Listing.
Harini Balani
Deputy General Manager
Annexure I Please follow the following format for providing the details of Designated Branch Details for ASBA within 15 days from the due date of Phase I and Phase II respectively.
Sl. No 1. State xxx City xxx Designated Branches Branch Contact Contact Address Person Number xxx xxx xxx Fax xxx Email xxx
Economic Laws
22
Setting up of step down (operating) subsidiaries by NBFCs having foreign investment above 75% and below 100% and with a minimum capitalisation of US$ 50 million - amendment of paragraph 6.2.24.2 (1) (iv) of 'Circular 1 of 2012 Consolidated FDI Policy '
21
[Issued by the DIPP, Ministry of Commerce & Industry vide Press note No. 9 (2012 Series) dated 03.10.2012.] Present Position: As per paragraph 6.2.24 .2 (1) (iv) of Circular 1 of 2012Consolidated FDJ Policy, effective from 10.04.2012, 100% foreign owned NBFCs with a minimum capitalisation of US$ 50 million can set up step down subsidiaries for specific NBFC activ ities, without any restriction on the number of operating subsidiaries and without bringing in additional capital. The minimum capitalization condition as mandated by para 3.10.4.1 of the above Circular, therefore, shall not apply to downstream subsidiaries. 2.0 Revised Position: 2. 1 The Government of lndia has reviewed the policy, as contained in paragraph 6.2.24.2 ( I) (iv) of the circular ibid and decided to permit NBFCs (i) having foreign investment above 75% and below 100% and (ii) with a minimum capitalisation of US$ 50 million , to set up step down subsidiaries for specific NBFC activities, without any restriction on the number of operating subsidiaries and without bringing in additional capital. 3.0 Amendment to paragraph 6.2.24.2 (1) (iv): 3.1 Accordingly, Paragraph 6.2.24.2 (1) (iv) of Circular 1 of 2012- Consolidated FD1 Policy, effective from 10.4.2012, is ame nded to read as below: NBFCs (i) having foreign investment more than 75% and up to 100%, and (ii) with a minimum capi ta lisation of US$ 50 million, can set up step down subsidiaries for specific NBFC activities, without any restriction on the number of operating subsidiaries and without bringing in additional capital. The minimum capitalization condition as mandated by para 3.10.4.1 of the above Circular, therefore, shall not apply to downstream subsidiaries. 4.0 The above decision will take immediate effect.
Anjali Prasad
Joint Secetary
[Issued by the Securities and Exchange Board of India vide Notification No. 763 (E) [F. No. 5/18/2005-Cl-V], dated 15.10.2012.] In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1), (2), (5) and (8) of section 25 and sub-section (2) of section 609 of the Companies Act, 1956 (1 of 1956), the Central Government hereby makes the following regulations further to amend the Companies Regulations, 1956, namely:1. (1) These Regulations may be called the Companies (Amendment) Regulations, 2012. (2) They shall come into force with effect from the 15th October, 2012. 2. In the Companies Regulations, 1956, in regulation 2, in clause (d)(i) for serial number (v) and the entries relating thereto, the following serial number and entries shall be substituted namely:(1) "(v) Regional Director (2) (3) Eastern Region Directorate States of West Bengal, Headquarter at Kolkatta Bihar, Jharkhand and Orissa.";
1.0 1.1
(ii) after serial number (vi) and the entries relating thereto, the following serial number and entries shall be inserted namely:(1) (2) "(vii) Regional North Eastern Region Director Directorate Headquarter at Guwahati (3) Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura.".
Anjali Prasad
Joint Secetary
(GN-264)
1449
CHARTERED SECRETARY
November 2012
Institute
LIVE Phone-in Programme on DOORDARSHAN National Channel (DD I) & DD BHARATI
A LIVE Phone-in Programme on "CAREER AS A COMPANY SECRETARY" was telecast on DOORDARSHAN National Network (DD I). CS Nesar Ahmad, President, The ICSI addressed the queries of students in an exclusive interview during the Programme "GOOD EVENING INDIA" on 15th October, 2012 between 5.30 to 6.00 PM on DD I. Repeat Telecast of the programme was aired on DD-BHARATI on October 16, 2012 from 6.30 to 7.00 PM during "GOOD EVENING INDIA".
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 Ms. Alka Rani Mr. Prashant Singh Mr. Mukesh Ms. Rajani P Mr. Ajay Anil Thorat Ms. Ketki Vyankat Kulkarni Ms. Karishma Ramesh Pandey Ms. Henisha Nipun Shah Mr. Soumitra Bhooshan Mujumdar Mr. Rajesh Deepak Palande Mr. Anand Prakash Soni Ms. Kumari Shashi Sinha Ms. Mansi Jitendra Rajkotia Ms. Aruna Pandey Ms. Priti Jain Ms. Simpy Mahindroo Ms. Anitha Christina Migael Mr. Santosh Kumar M S Mr. Tejas Rohitkumar Shah Mr. Tushar Damodar Pawar Ms. Raji Ramachandran Ms. Deepika Chowdhary Mr. Sourabh Singhal Ms. Kanika Sharma Mr. Chandra Bhushan Ms. Aakanksha Varshney Ms. Aanchal Vig Mr. Sandeep Gupta Mr. Rahul Raman Ms. Kritika Singh Ms. Sugandha Trivedi Ms. Sapna Dua Ms. Geetanjali Ms. Jeba Elavarasi S Ms. Kumud Pahuja ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS 30930 30931 30932 30933 30934 30935 30936 30937 30938 30939 30940 30941 30942 30943 30944 30945 30946 30947 30948 30949 30950 30951 30952 30953 30954 30955 30956 30957 30958 30959 30960 30961 30962 30963 30964 NIRC NIRC NIRC SIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC EIRC EIRC NIRC SIRC SIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC
Institute
News
MEMBERS ADMITTED
Sl. Name No. Membership No. Region
FELLOWS*
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Sh. Niraj Preet Singh Chawla Ms. Ashita Kaul Sh Satish Sharma Sh. Amit Sharma Sh. Rasesh Jayant Shah Sh Ashok Kumar Rathi Sh. Kapil Saluja Sh. Prassad Rao Kalayru Sh. Harpal Singh Sh. Prasant Kumar Sarkar Ms. Bindu Garg Sh. Syed Mohammed Yunus Ms. T Varalakshmi Sh. Palaniappan Nachiappan Mr. Shaurya Mitra Tomar Sh. Vineet Kumar Saini FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS FCS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS 6987 6988 6989 6990 6991 6992 6993 6994 6995 6996 6997 6998 6999 7000 7001 7002 30910 30911 30912 30913 30914 30915 30916 30917 30918 30919 30920 30921 30922 30923 30924 30925 30926 30927 30928 30929 NIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC SIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC SIRC SIRC NIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC
ASSOCIATES*
Mr. Mayur Vasani Mr. Rakesh Kumar Mr. Nikhil Kailas Ekhe Ms. Neelam Garg Ms. Tanvi Gupta Ms. Priyanka Gupta Ms. Bindhia K Ms. Babita Singh Dhaka Mr. Mahesh Kumar Bohra Ms. Mohita Jindal Ms. Kanika Vij Mr. Vivek Vashishth Mr. Ashok Kumar Mathur Mr. Sachin Saxena Mr. Manupreet Singh Batra Mr. Manjeet Singh Mr. Ompal Ms. Neha Bansal Mr. Archit Agarwal Ms. Priyanka Singh
* Admitted on 20th September, 28th September, 2012 and 10th October, 2012.
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1450
Institute
ACS - 31022 WIRC ACS - 17647 ACS - 17196 FCS - 3591 ACS - 13460 ACS - 5180 ACS - 1783 ACS - 24263 FCS - 5477 ACS - 27214 ACS - 28892 ACS - 18581 FCS - 230 ACS - 8328 ACS - 13201 ACS - 4295 FCS - 1763 ACS - 11312 FCS - 677 ACS - 3887 ACS - 10790 ACS - 22385 ACS - 18766 ACS - 13872 FCS - 3491 FCS - 2900 ACS - 7190 ACS - 3367 ACS - 3141 ACS - 10018 ACS - 14124 ACS - 26282 ACS - 26111 ACS - 6143 ACS - 23701 ACS - 29711 ACS - 7117 ACS - 6177 ACS - 9040 ACS - 23663 ACS - 12926 ACS - 11714 ACS - 13687 ACS - 9839 ACS - 10985 ACS - 7928 ACS - 16780 ACS - 12499 ACS - 13124 ACS - 24795 ACS - 5442 ACS - 13255 ACS - 16879 WIRC SIRC SIRC WIRC SIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC EIRC WIRC EIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC EIRC WIRC SIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC EIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC EIRC NIRC NIRC EIRC EIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC SIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC SIRC SIRC NIRC
RESTORED*
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. Sh. Ashish Nandkishor Rathi Sh. V Madhusudhana Reddy Sh. Hansraj Rathor Sh. C R Lakshman Sh. A Selvarajan Sh. Surrinder Kumar Sharma Sh. Arvind Kumar Roy Sh. Ramesh Chandra Mishra Sh. Pankaj Kumar Jha Mrs. Supriya Arora Sh. Piyush Kumar Pandey Sh. Hukamraj Sajjanraj Kumbhat Sh. Dinesh Kumar Gandhi Sh. Kuntal Roy Chowdhury Sh. Jitendra Jayantilal Shah Sh. Anand M Fatehpuria Ms. Rajashree Nagesh Daftardar Sh. Arun M Mehta Sh. Surendera Shriram Gupta Sh. Kalyan Ghosh Mrs. Neha Mundra Sh. Abhishek Thareja Sh. B.P.Thyagaraja Sh. P Kagrawal Sh. Darshanmajmudar Sh. Arunava A Choudhury Sh. Nerottam B Vyas Sh. Ram Karan Gupta Ms. Daljeet Kaurbhatia Sh. Abhishek Nagori Sh. Sunil Kumar Yadav Sh. Amit Anand Sh. Anil Kumar Kataria Sh. Devkant Sangwan Ms. Jyotmala Thakar Sh. Sanjeev Kumar Sh. S S Agarwal Sh. Rajagopal Ganesh Sh. Bimal Kumar Jain Sh. Pradip Agarwal Sh. Harish Kumar Kandoi Ms. Manisha Arora Sh. Sanjay Agarwal Sh. Manish Sansi Sh. V Subrahmanyam Ms. Richa Shukla Sh. Girish Kamlakar Sathe Sh. Deepak Agarwal Sh. Mohd Shakeel Kayamkhani Sh. S Nagarajan Sh. V C Moulieswaran Ms. Rakhi Bahety
1451
CHARTERED SECRETARY
November 2012
Institute
NIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC SIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC SIRC SIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC 16 Sh. Praful Kumar Sharma ACS - 25015 17 Sh. Radhakrishna Battineni ACS - 11471 18 Ms. Archana Khemka ACS - 9660 19 Sh. Jagat Singh ACS - 24557 20 Sh. Anil Anand ACS - 10328 21 Sh. V R Thakkar ACS - 3695 22 Ms. Poonam Tomar Yadav ACS - 28278 23 Mr. Ravindra Ashok Mishra ACS - 29159 24 Mr. Aadarsh B Chandak ACS - 29065 25 Mr. Dhirav Ramesh Shah ACS - 29976 26 Ms. Charul Chowdhary ACS - 24210 27 Mr. P Nallasenapathi ACS - 30805 28 Sh. Niranjan Kumar Agarwal ACS - 25531 29 Ms. Margi Hindia ACS - 30431 30 Ms. Snehal Ramesh Kulkarni ACS - 28763 31 Sh. Chetan Chandulal Rajdev ACS - 26009 32 Ms. Nidhi Ajaykumar Bhimpuria ACS - 29073 33 Sh. Sanjay Dayalji Kukadia ACS - 20674 34 Ms. Jyoti Parihar FCS - 5102 35 Mr. Binod Kumar More ACS - 30778 36 Sh. M Ramakrishna ACS - 4296 37 Mrs. Komal Yogesh Bafna ACS - 29152 38 Sh. Sunil Mishra ACS - 18396 39 Mr. Yogesh Jayram Kohinkar ACS - 30891 40 Ms. Varsha Verma ACS - 30162 41 Mrs. Swapna Samadhan Doifode ACS - 22600 42 Preeti Shetty ACS - 23356 43 Mr. Akash Gupta ACS - 23248 44 Mr. Ishan Anand ACS - 30882 45 Ms. Sangita Agarwal ACS - 29467 46 Mr. Atluri Ramesh ACS - 30844 47 Mr. Ankit Bansal ACS - 30702 48 Sh. Rajesh Kumar Agrawal FCS - 5158 49 Mrs. Madhuvanti Patwardhan ACS - 20124 50 Sh. V Ramasubramanian ACS - 5890 51 Ms. Anagha Paranjape ACS - 29684 52 Mr. Kaushal Saxena ACS - 28059 53 Ms Megha Brijratan Bhaiya ACS - 20134 54 Ms. Shweta Shah ACS - 30088 55 Mrs. Swati Saffar ACS - 30875 11291 11292 11293 11294 11295 11296 11297 11298 11299 11300 11301 11302 11303 11304 11305 11306 11307 11308 11309 11310 11311 11312 11313 11314 11315 11316 11317 11318 11319 11320 11321 11322 11323 11324 11325 11326 11327 11328 11329 11330 NIRC SIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC SIRC WIRC SIRC EIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC EIRC SIRC WIRC SIRC WIRC NIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC EIRC SIRC NIRC SIRC WIRC SIRC SIRC NIRC WIRC EIRC EIRC
ACS - 26811 ACS - 19609 FCS - 1529 FCS - 5054 ACS - 15890 ACS - 16094 FCS - 5665 FCS - 5306 ACS - 2995 ACS - 10146 ACS - 29771 FCS - 5320 ACS - 17610 ACS - 16010 ACS - 15794 ACS - 11697 ACS - 208 ACS - 21415 FCS - 389 ACS - 16080 ACS - 26415 ACS - 26409
CERTIFICATE OF PRACTICE
Sl. Name No. ACS/FCS No. CP No. Region
ISSUED*
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Dr. Anand Rao Korada Ms. Anusha Soni Ms. Preeti Jain Ms. Pritika Nagi Mr. Amit Kumar Ms. Tannu Sharma Mr. Anshuman Baruah Ms. Richa Gulati Ms. Ruchika Parash Agarwal Mr. Vishnu Karbharee Salunke Ms. Rupali Dhananjay Patwardhan Sh. Ajay Kumar Sh. Rishi Kumar Sharma Ms. Jyothi Savithri Ms. Sapna Jain ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS 5574 29227 29541 29544 29973 29676 30632 30727 11276 11277 11278 11279 11280 11281 11282 11283 EIRC EIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC EIRC NIRC SIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC
ACS - 30792 11284 ACS - 30831 11285 ACS ACS ACS ACS ACS 30837 30196 23225 26384 27638 11286 11287 11288 11289 11290
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1452
Institute
18995 26034 20442 30518 26508 30428 30920 30622 30852 30585 22335 30335 30878
11331 11332 11333 11334 11335 11336 11337 11338 11339 11340 11341 11342 11343
SIRC SIRC WIRC EIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC WIRC SIRC WIRC WIRC NIRC
- 29277 11344 - 25683 11345 - 26783 11346 - 16508 11347 - 27821 11348 - 28839 11349
CANCELLED*
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. Sh. Arun Gupta FCS - 5249 Ms. Isha Shankar ACS-29051 Mrs. Soumya Gupta ACS-29052 Ms. Yachika Bhatia ACS-30448 Sh. Sudhir Laxman Manjrekar ACS-6359 Sh. Ajay Kumar Jain FCS-5826 Mr. Vinay Dhanaka ACS26575 Mr. Pradeep Kumar ACS-30264 Sh. Jay Prakash Lodha FCS-4714 Ms. Khyati Sharad Bhai Mehta ACS-30529 Sh. M L Narang FCS-1564 Ms. Shipra Devi ACS-28057 Sh. Akshit Gupta ACS-22963 Sh. Manish Kumar Dixit ACS-26137 Sh. A Chand Basha FCS-4176 Sh. Anand Kumar Bhardwaj FCS-4578 Ms. Ruchika Agarwal ACS-26595 Mr. Gopal Singh ACS-30530 Ms. Dipti Gupta ACS-13269 Sh. Padmakar Manjunath Rao FCS-2677 Mr. Jeevan Varghese ACS-23655 Ms. Silky Kapoor FCS-6668 Ms. Garima Grover ACS-27100 10236 10791 10792 11154 8275 11088 9992 11258 9500 11077 3616 10199 10871 9414 10660 3003 11170 11178 8284 10983 8460 7332 10805 NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC SIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC NIRC WIRC SIRC NIRC NIRC
The certificate of practice fee must be accompanied by a declaration in form 'D' duly completed in all respects and signed. The requisite form 'D' is available on the website of Institute www.icsi.edu.
(i) On-Line (through payment Gateway of the Institute's web-site (www.icsi.in). (ii) Credit card at the Institute's Headquarter at Lodi Road, New Delhi or Regional Offices located at Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai. (iii) Cash/ local cheque drawn in favour of `The Institute of Company Secretaries of India', payable at New Delhi at the Institute's Headquarter or Regional/ Chapter Offices located at Kolkata, New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune respectively. Out Station cheques will not be accepted. However, at par cheques will be accepted . (iv) Demand draft / Pay order drawn in favour of `The Institute of Company Secretaries of India', payable at New Delhi (indicating on the reverse name and membership number).
1453
CHARTERED SECRETARY
November 2012
Institute
BCL Industries & Infrastructures Ltd. Hazi Rattan Link Road, Bathinda 151005
bcl@mittalgroup.co.in
3500/-
Great Indian Nautanki Co. Pvt Ltd. K 804/2,mahipalpur, Vasant Kunj Road, New Delhi- 110037 JKM Infra Projects Ltd. A - 14,First Floor, Sector-7 Noida(U.P.) - 201301
del@jkminfra.com
5000/-
3500/-
Eastern
Minolta Finance Ltd. 37 A & b, Stephen House 4, B B D Bag (East) Kolkatta - 700001
minoltafinance@gmail.com
Filatex India Ltd. 43,Community Centre, New Friends Colony, New Delhi - 110025
secretarial@filatex.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Bhagwanshree Enterprises Ltd. 405,Shreelok Complex 4,H.B. Road, Ranchi - 834001 (Jharkhand)
csservices26@gmail.com
15 Months Training
2500/ITW India Ltd. Level 1, Lotus Plaza 732/1Mehrauli Gurgaon Road Sector 14, Gurgaon 122001, 3500/Magppie International Ltd. PD - 4A, Pitampura Delhi - 110088 Delhi Select Services Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. F - 2/7, Okhla Industrial Phase-1 New Delhi - 110020 Fedders Lloyd Corporation Ltd. C-4 Phase-II Noida - 201301
Rajesh.aggarwal@lloydmail.com
3500/-
Sarvesh Refractories Ltd. AA - 15,Civil Township, Rourkela, Dist. Sundergarh Orissa (India) - 769004
marketing@sarvesh.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
4000/-
Deo Ispat Alloys Ltd. 6 , Church Lane, Ist Floor, Kolkata - 700001 Keonjhar Infrastructure Development Co. Ltd. Osil Guest House, Osil Township, Palaspanga, Cuttack - 753003
Kidco.spv@gmail.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
3000/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Medirad Tech India Ltd. Hemalata Hospitals & Research Centre Nalco Square, Bhubaneswar - 751023
helpdesk@hemalatahospitals.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
Schenck Rotec India Ltd. Plot No. A 5 Sector 81 Phase II Noida (U.P.) - 201305
sril@schenck-ind.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
Northern
Riviera Home Furnishings Pvt .Ltd. 501 (Fifth Floor) Aggarwal Corporate Heights Netaji Subhash Place District Center Wazirpur Delhi 110034
riviera@rivieratex.com
15 Months Training
5000/-
Sovereign Business Pvt. Ltd. F-6 Thirthraj Apartment Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan
info@pachargroup.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
1454
Indian Traditional Hotels Pvt. Ltd. F-6 Thirthraj Apartment Jacob Road, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan
15 Months Training
3500/-
Institute
3 Months Practical Training 3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
DBR'S Infra Project Pvt. Ltd. No.2981,4th Floor, HAL. 2nd Stage, Indiranagar Bangalore - 560008
dbrsrealty@gmail.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
Gokak Textiles Ltd. No.24, 29th Main BTM Layout 2nd Stage Bangalore - 560076 Shalivahana Green Energy Ltd. Post Box No.1582,7th Floor Minerva Complex, S.D. Road Secunderabad - 500003
shalivahanacs@gmail.com
3500/-
4000/-
Sobhagya Capital Options Ltd. B-206, Okhla Industrial Area Phase-I New Delhi - 110020
office@sobhagyacapital.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd. Sipcot Industrial Comple Madurai Bypass Road T.V.Puram P.O. Thootukudi - 628002 Synova Innovative Technologies Pvt. # 7 P & 93 P Electronic City West Bangalore - 560100
chakrih@synovaindia.com
3500/-
Rajvanshi & Associates Enforcement 15 Months & Consultants Pvt Ltd. 3 Months H -15 , Chiotranjan Marg, Practical Training C- Scheme Jaipur - 302001
rajvanshiassociates@gmail.com
3500/-
15 Months
3500/-
Vyas Lefin Pvt. Ltd. S- 69, Raisar Plaza, IInd Floor, Jaipur MB Power (Madhya Pradesh ) Ltd. 235 , Okhla Industrial Estate Phase-III New Delhi - 110020
shares@moserbaer.in
15 Months Training
3500/-
Suguna Holdings Pvt. Ltd. 49/27, Krishnasamy Nagar, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore - 641045 Infrastructure Development Corporation (Karnataka) Ltd. No.9/7, 2nd Floor, K.C.N. Bhavan, Yamunabai Road, Madhavnagar Extension, Off Race Course Road, Bangalore - 560001
15 Months Training
3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Fis Global Business Solution India Pvt. Ltd. S 405 (LGF) Greater Kailash Part Ii New Delhi - 110048
India_compliance@fisglobal.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
Western
Universal Starch-Chem Allied Ltd. Mhatra Pen Building, B Wing, 2nd Floor,Senapati Bapat Marg, Dadar (West) Mumbai 400028 15 Months Training 3500/-
Southern
Kutty Flush Doors & Furniture Co. Pvt. Ltd. 1167,Poonamallee High Road, Koyambedu, Chennai- 600107 Sagun Copper Conductors Pvt. Ltd. N - 5A,Industrial Estate, Gokul Road, Hubli - 580030
sagun@saguncopper.in
3500/-
Mumbai@universalstarch.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
JSW Severfield Structures Ltd. 302 Naman Centre Plot No.C 31, G Block Bandra Kurla Complex Bharat Nagar, Bandra (East) Mumbai 4000515 Tunip Agro Ltd. 107/108,Commerce House 140,Nagindas Master Road Fort, Mumbai - 400023
onjus@tunip.com
10000/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Shalivahana Green Energy Ltd. Post Box No:1582, 7th Floor Minerva Complex, S.D. Road, Secunderabad - 500003
15 Months Training
4000/-
1455
CHARTERED SECRETARY
November 2012
Institute
3500/Advanced Enzymes Technologies Ltd. Sun Magnetica 'A' Wing, 5th Floor LIC Service Road, Louiswadi, Thane(W) - 400604
info@enzymeindia.com
15 Months Training
15 Months Training
3500/-
Shiva Global Agro Industries Ltd. "Shiva House" New Mandha, Nanded - 431602 shivaagro1@gmail.com Talwalkars Better Value Fitness Ltd. 801,Mahalaxmi Chambers, 22 Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai- 400026
avantis@talwalkars.net
15 Months Training
3500/Indo City Infotech Ltd. A6 Mittal Estate, Bldg No.2, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (E) Mumbai - 400059
contact@indo_city.com
3500/-
3500/Kopran Ltd. Parijat House 1076 Dr. E. Moses Road Worli, Mumbai - 400018 5000/Trans Tech Turnkey Pvt. Ltd. 101 Mayfir Towers II, Wakdewadi, Shivajinagar, Pune - 411005 Transpek Silox Industry Ltd. Kalali Road, Atladra, Vadodra - 390012 info@transpek-silox.com A.T.E. Enterprises Private Ltd. 43, Dr. V.B.Gandhi Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400023 Mumbai@ateindia.com Aegis Limited Essar House, 11 K.K. Marg, Mahalaxmi Mumbai, Maharashtra Mumbai - 400034 Renew Power Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Ab01a ,Neelam Centre, Hind Cycle Road, Worli, Mumbai - 400030 Reliance Capital Ltd. 570, Rectifier House, Naigaum Cross Road, Next To Ro Industrial Estate, Wadala, Mumbai - 400031 Siemans Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor ,130, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Worli , Mumbai - 400018
shilpi.saxena@siemens.com
15 Months & 3 Months Practical Training 15 Months & 3 Months Practical Training
3500/-
Betul Oil Limited 117,Mittal Chambers, 11th Floor,Nariman Point Mumbai - 400021
shares@moserbaer.in
15 Months Training
3500/-
Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri Ltd. 228,Mittal Chambers, Ground Floor, Nariman Point Mumbai - 400002
niraj.oza@tbzoriginal.com
15 Months Training
5000/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Housing and Urban Development Corp.Ltd. Shreyas Chambers, 2nd Floor 175,Dr. D.N. Road, Fort Mumbai - 400001
hudcomro@gmail.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
15 Months Training
10000/-
3500/-
Lokesh Industrial Services Pvt. Ltd. Golchha Marg , Sadar, Nagpur - 440001
lokesh_fl@yahoo.com
15 Months Training
3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
Texport Syndicate (India) Ltd. Plot No.6, F -11/12 Western Ind. Co-Op. Estate, Opp.Seepz M.I.D.C.,Andheri(E) Mumbai - 400093
ts@texportsyndicate.com
3500/-
3500/-
JSW Bengal Steel Ltd. Jindal Mansion 5A Dr. G Deshmukh Marg Mumbai - 400026 PG Foils Ltd. 6, Neptune Tower, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad
3500/-
15 Months Training
3500/-
3500/-
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
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Institute
PCSA -3108
CS S. RAVI SHANKAR Company Secretary in Practice #25, First Floor Miller Tank Bund Road Kaveriappa Layout Bangalore -560 052 CS RAM PARVESH YADAV Company Secretary in Practice G-100, Preet Vihar New Delhi -110 092 CS ROOPRAM S. SHARMA Company Secretary in Practice #25, First Floor Miller Tank Bund Road Kaveriappa Layout Bangalore -560 052 CS ANSHI SRIVASTAVA Company Secretary in Practice A-380, Defence Colony New Delhi -110 024 CS JAGANNATH KAR Company Secretary in Practice 7a, Bentick Street 3rd Floor, Room No. 304 Kolkata -700 001 CS SURESH CHAND KUMAWAT Company Secretary in Practice Ll-56, 1st Floor, S C Road Amber Tower, Jaipur -302 001 CS AMIT BHATIA Company Secretary in Practice B-73, Skylark Apts., B/H Sidhi Vinayak Complex Shivranjani, Satellite Ahmedabad -380 015 CS URVASHI GUPTA Company Secretary in Practice 388, Dakshindhari Road, Dinnante Apartment 3rd Floor, Flat No-6 Kolkata -700 048 CS PAYAL AGARWAL Company Secretary in Practice 8, Camac Street 412, Shantinikeian Building 4th Floor Kolkata -700 017 CS SWEETY AGGARWAL Company Secretary in Practice 8, Camac Street 412, Shantinikeian Building 4th Floor, Kolkata -700 017
PCSA -3109
PCSA -3110
PCSA -3111
PCSA -3101
PCSA -3112
PCSA -3102
PCSA -3113
PCSA -3103
PCSA -3114
PCSA -3104
PCSA -3115
PCSA -3105
PCSA -3116
PCSA -3106
PCSA -3117
PCSA -3107
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Institute
PCSA -3118 CS ISHLEEN KAUR JUNEJA Company Secretary in Practice Bd-65, Upper Ground Floor Vishakha Enclave Pitampura Delhi -110 088 CS KUSHAL SHARMA Company Secretary in Practice 161, Gopal Bhawan Zone -1, M.P. Nagar Bhopal -462 016 CS MEENAKSHI GUPTA Company Secretary in Practice A-1/126, Sushant Lok -II Near Sectorss Ait Chowk Gurgaon -122 011 CS MAYUR MAGANLAL BUHA Company Secretary in Practice 507, 5th Floor Blue Chip Complex Nr. Vadodara Stock Exchange Sayajigund Vadodara -390 005 CS LEKHA ASHOK Company Secretary in Practice M R 301, Golden Blossom Apts Opp. Sai Baba Ashram, Kadugodi Bangalore -560 067 CS MITUL JAIN Company Secretary in Practice 3, Maharshi Debendra Road, 3rd Floor Kolkata - 700 007 PCSA -3124 CS CHARU JAIN Company Secretary in Practice Rz-G/9a, West Sagar Pur New Delhi -110 046 CS ROHAN V. NIMBALKAR Company Secretary in Practice 10/3/A, Flat No. -17 Siddhesh Apts., Near Kailas Jivan Factory Dhayari -411 041 CS DAMINI SRIVASTAV Company Secretary in Practice 172/266, Bazar Jhau Lal Chik Wali Gali Aminabad 226 018 PCSA -3127 CS AAGVI PRAKASH SANGHVI Company Secretary in Practice 13/14, Anand Milan V.B.Lane Extension Ghatkopar (East) Mumbai -400 077 PCSA -3137 PCSA -3128
PCSA -3129
PCSA -3119
PCSA -3130
PCSA -3120
PCSA -3131
PCSA -3121
PCSA -3122
PCSA -3132
PCSA -3134
PCSA -3125
PCSA -3135
November 2012
CHARTERED SECRETARY
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Institute
PCSA -3139
PCSA -3140
PCSA -3141
PCSA -3142
PCSA -3143
PCSA -3144
PCSA -3145
PCSA -3146
PCSA -3147
PCSA -3148
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Institute
SIRC
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Mr. S Vadivel Ms. Anju Agarwal Sh. Vinod Sunder Raman Ms Megha Matoo Ms. Sharda Balaji Sh. K Sundararajan Ms. Padmaja Vummenthala 16 9863 Mr. Shivakumar Shetty 9830 9838 9855 9856 9860 9861 9862 ACS - 30604 ACS - 29287 ACS - 18909 ACS - 20114 ACS - 11702 FCS - 800 Chennai Hyderabad Banglore Banglore Banglore Chennai
WIRC
17 9835 Sh. Harsh Shah Nagda ACS - 26346 18 9836 Sh. Anurudh Singh G. Thakur ACS - 13210 19 9840 Sh. Shyam Sunder Chhaparia FCS - 145 20 9841 Ms. Priya Parameswaran Iyer ACS - 28260 21 9842 Sh. Tushar Diwakar Shastri ACS - 11775 22 9843 Sh. Makarand S Karkare FCS - 3835 23 9844 Sh. Durgesh Manohar Kadam ACS - 26177 24 9845 Ms. Prabha Vadlamannati FCS - 5761 25 9846 Ms. Neelu Dhingra ACS - 17464 26 9847 Sh. Jitesh Dhingra ACS - 17502 27 9848 Sh. Ramesh Sadanand Shenoy ACS - 7052 28 9850 Ms. Archana Khemka ACS - 9660 29 9851 Sh. Rajiv Sharma FCS - 2660 30 9853 Sh. Sanjay V Talavlikar ACS - 11002 31 9854 Sh. Sanjay B Upadhyay ACS - 16922 32 9857 Sh. Sudhir Padmakar Lale ACS - 18863 33 9858 Ms. Bhavana Hansraj Kapadia ACS - 21212 34 9859 Sh. Jayesh Sharma ACS - 27171 Mumbai Mumbai Gwalior Dombivli (E) Thane (W) Pune New Panvel Pune Bareilly Mumbai Mumbai Navi Mumbai Mumbai Pune Vadodara Pune Mumbai Navi Mumbai
Mem No.
City
EIRC
1 9832 Sh. Aswini Kumar Sahu ACS - 16363 Kolkata 2 9833 Mr. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari ACS - 30808 Hoogly
NIRC
3 9831 Sh. Anuj Jain 4 9834 Mr. Nitin Shah 5 9837 Sh. Prasad Chenna Reddy 6 9839 Mr. Sumit Mutha 7 9849 Sh. Manoj Kumar Jain ACS - 26842 New DelhiI ACS - 30904 Jodhpur ACS - 19449 Gurgaon ACS - 30341 Jodhpur FCS - 5832 Delhi
November 2012
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Chotia of Microsec Capital Limited who spoke on "SMEs Listing". He in his deliberation to the audience said that SMEs listing is the need of the hour. The Indian capital market has welcomed this with open hands. He said that all the members recognized by the BSE are by default members of this segment, he also said that compliance norms for SMEs are simplified, exit opportunity is comparatively easy but the main and most stringent norm is that minimum investment should be Rupees One lakh as well as trading lot should be Rupees One lakh. Due-Diligence is also required for SMEs which are listed. CS. K. Shekhar, Head - Legal & Group Company Secretary, the Chatterjee Group spoke on the topic "ICDR, IPO / FPO". He in his presentation threw light on the genesis of IPO, FPO, Right issue, Bonus issue, Private Placement ,QIPs, Preferential issue etc. He also spoke about the eligibility norms of IPOs, Book Building Process, bid price, ask price, etc. He also spoke on the exemption from IPO eligibility norms which is given to some specified sectors like Private sector Bank, Public Sector Bank, Infrastructure Company, etc. CS Jayabrta Mukherjee, Manager - Investment Banking, Sumedha Fiscal Services Limited spoke on Listing & Delisting of Equity Shares. He covered some basic aspect of delisting. He talked about two types of delisting - Compulsory Delisting and Voluntary Delisting. He also spoke about Delisting process, exit opportunity, etc. The sessions were followed by interactive Question - Answer sessions.
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Pujan Ceremony
On 14.9.2012, CS Nesar Ahmad, President, the ICSI and CS N.K. Jain, Secretary & CEO, the ICSI did puja for the extended third floor of the Chapter building by cracking coconut as an auspicious mark. Members of the Managing Committee of the Chapter, other members and students of the Institute were present on the occasion.
Interactive Session with the President and the Secretary & CEO, the ICSI
On 14.9.2012 during the inaugural session of the full day seminar of the Bhubaneswar Chapter, the Chapter arranged an interactive session with CS Nesar Ahmad, President and CS N.K. Jain, Secretary & CEO, the ICSI, New Delhi with the Members & Students of the Institute present to attend the full day seminar. Various suggestions were discussed and emerged during the session for their implementation in future.
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Press Conference
On 14.9.2012 the Press Conference organised by the Chapter was addressed CS Nesar Ahmad, President, CS N.K. Jain, Secretary and CEO, the ICSI. Others present were CS R.K. Kanodia, Chairman, EIRC, CS J.B. Das, Chairman and CS A. Acharya, Vice Chairman, Bhubaneswar Chapter. Both the President and Secretary and CEO, the ICSI addressed the print and electronic media about the ICSI, career prospects of CS, other services being provided to the corporate world by the Institute and the profession, etc. The proceedings of the programme were telecast on the TV channel the same evening and also repeated telecast was made on the next day's morning programme. Proceedings of the programme were also published in the regional dailies. Around 25 media people both from print and electronic media and other representatives attended the programme.
TV Interview
During the programme an exclusive interview of CS Nesar Ahmad, President and CS N.K. Jain, Secretary & CEO, the ICSI was telecast by OTV and ETV, Odiya about the CS course in the evening and also made repeat telecast was made in the next day's news bulletin.
Lecture Meet
On 23.9.2012, the Bhubaneswar Chapter organized a lecture meet at its premises. Prof. S.P. Pani, Director, Distance Education, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar was the Guest resource person of the programme who highlighted the flow of ancestral traditions, myths and ideologies to the modern day life with attitudinal changes. Around 35 participants attended the talk.
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youth available in the country. He said that no activity can be undertaken without the help of professionals. He spoke about the success of MCA, XBRL online Filing within a short span of time. He also emphasised on the Role of Company Secretary in Good Governance. He said that, Company Secretaries, over a period of time, have developed themselves as professionals having core competence in Corporate Governance. Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society & SAFIM, spoke on the objective & Values of Sri Aurobindo Society. CS Rajiv Bajaj, Chairman, NIRC in his welcome address informed the members that NIRC-ICSI has been adjudged as the National Best Regional Council of the Institute continuously for the fifth time. Dr. Ashok Haldia, Member, Governing Board SAFIM & Director, PTC Financial Services Ltd, introduced the theme of the seminar. CS Harish K Vaid, Central Council Member, the ICSI, also spoke on the occasion. CS Ranjeet Pandey, Immediate Past Chairman, NIRC, conducted the proceedings of the seminar. The Inaugural session was followed by two Panel Discussions. The First Panel discussion was on 'Corporate Governance - A Long Term Consciousness Perspective'. The panelists were N K Jain, Secretary & CEO, the ICSI, Satya Poddar of E&Y, Prithvi Haldia, CMD, Prime Database & T N Manoharan, Past President, the ICAI. The Second Panel discussion was on 'Revised Schedule VI and XBRL'. The panellists were Sanjeev Singhal, Vice President Finance, Jubilant Life Science Ltd., M M Chitale, Member, SAFIM Advisory Board, Chairman NACAS & Past President, the ICAI, Sandip Khetan, Director, KPMG & Kamal Garg, Kamal Garg & Associate.
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Dr. Shaleen Raizada, Sanshadow Consultants Pvt. Ltd. spoke on "Innovations-Development and Management". She with the help of various exercises explained the entire concept of innovations. Second Technical Session: CS Vineet Chaudhary, Regional Council Member, ICSI-NIRC anchored the second technical session of the seminar. V P Dalmia, Partner, Vaish Associates, spoke on "Trade Marks Registration & Enforcement". He said that in the era of Mergers & Amalgamations money can be made by creating brand loyalty. Intellectual property is wealth only, if you create wealth for the company, you create wealth for yourself also. He said that trademark is used for identification in the market & it is a symbol of goodwill attached with it and is nothing but the faith of people. He also mentioned that enforcement of legal rights in trademarks lies with the court in public interest and also protection of trademarks is essential. He with the help of various examples suggested what a good trademark is or not. He advised before deciding on the trademark to go in for search both ways viz. words and also phonetic and also informed that registration of the trademark is optional. He also explained the terms infringement, passing off and briefly touched the provisions of copyright & industrial designs. Sanjay Jain, Senior Advocate spoke on "Trade Marks Registration & Enforcement". He explained the concept of infringement of the trademark in detail and also the procedure to be followed in case of infringement. He also discussed the various remedies available viz. remedy of contempt, remedy of criminal prosecution, civil remedy, interim remedies etc. with the help of various case laws. Third Technical Session: CS Manish Gupta, Regional Council Member, ICSI-NIRC anchored the Third Technical Session. Sharad Vadehra, Senior Partner, Advocate & Registered Patent Agent, KAN & KRISHME spoke on "Copyright and case study Samsung v. Apple patent case. He discussed the meaning, rationale & nature of copyright. He also discussed the various provisions of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957 and amendments thereto with the help of various case studies. He discussed the provisions relating to infringement of copyrights and also the remedies available. He also briefly discussed the provisions relating to Designs Act. CS D K Lalwani spoke on "Opportunities for Company Secretaries in the field of Patents, Trade Marks & Copyrights". He shared his experience with the delegates and mentioned that it is a specialised field. He informed that opportunities for practising professionals in intellectual properties are divided into two parts, one is opened for all and other is a restricted field for professionals. For example for practising in patents & designs specific qualification is required. He also discussed various limitations & difficulties being faced by the Company Secretaries. After the technical sessions the queries raised by the delegates were suitably replied by the guest speakers.
Vaishali Study Circle Meeting on Compliance under Listing Agreements and Amendments
On 8.9.2012 Praveen Bharti was the speaker of the Vaishali Study Circle Meeting on Compliance under Listing Agreements and Amendments.
West Zone Study Circle Meeting on Analysis of Schedule VI of Companies Act 1956 & Accounting Standard
On 15.9.2012 at the West Zone Study Circle Meeting on Analysis of Schedule VI of Companies Act 1956 & Accounting Standard Anil Gupta was the speaker.
Meeting of Company Secretaries in Practice on How to Establish a Competitive Practice of Company Secretaries
On 17.9.2012 at the Meeting of Company Secretaries in Practice on How to establish a competitive Practice of Company Secretaries CS Hemant Paliwal was the speaker.
Study Circle Meeting on Issue of Securities - Recent Supreme Court Judgment & its Implications
On 21.9.2012 at the Study Circle Meeting on Issue of Securities Recent Supreme Court Judgment & its Implications CS Rachna Sayal was the speaker.
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Keynote Speaker. The other speakers were P D Gupta, Patent Attorney, L. S. Davar & Co, Dr. S.Banerjee, Patent Attorney, L. S. Davar & Co, Dr. Shaleen Raizada, Managing Director, Sanshadow Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Vijay Dalmia, Partner, Vaish Associates, Sanjay Jain, Senior Advocate, Sharad Vadehra, Senior Partner, Advocate and Registered Patent Agent, KAN & KRISHME and CS D K Lalwani.
South Zone Study Group Meeting on CS Role in Segment wise Registration & Licensing
On 28.9.2012 at the South Zone Study Group Meeting on the above topic CS K.K. Singh was the speaker.
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Corporate Affairs (MCA), Stock Exchanges like Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), and some private sector companies. Securities market regulator, SEBI has set up an XBRL enabled platform for corporate reporting (www.corpfiling.co.in) by BSE and NSE. As a result both stock exchanges have migrated to XBRL from the paper based model and offer a unified electronic platform, popularly known as 'CorpFiling' system. He practically demonstrated some XBRL applications and focusing on the application part he said that XBRL can be applied to a wide range of business and financial data e.g. company internal and external financial reporting, business reporting to all types of regulators, including tax and financial authorities, central banks and governments, exchange of information between government departments or between other institutions, etc. At the end very lively discussion took place among the members present with the speaker.
Cricket Match
On 23.9.2012 to maintain proper work life balance, Gurgaon Chapter of NIRC of the ICSI organized a cricket match between CS Members & CS students at the playground of Ajanta Public School, Gurgaon. The teams were led by CS Ranjeet Pandey (Captain of Members' Team) and Gaurav Sharma (Captain of Students' Team). The Students' team won the match. The winning and runners up teams were honoured with the trophy by CS Punit Handa, Chairman, Gurgaon Chapter and CS Dhananjay Shukla, November 2012
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features of the LLP Act saying that the partners of LLP will be facing the mandatory imprisonment with penalty for false statement, fraud and non-compliance of order of Tribunal/CLB/Court under sections 11(3), 37, 30 and 73 and the LLP is also liable to third party to the extent of credit received by it or any financial benefit derived on falsely holding out of a person as partner of LLP under Section 29. The speaker also spoke on the LLP agreement, conversion of partnership firms and companies to LLP, the effects of conversion, Guidelines for users (FO) On Post Integration, annual compliances of LLP, Foreign LLP and taxation and winding of LLP. The members actively interacted with the speaker after which CS Ramasubramaniam C, Member, ICSl - SIRC summed up the proceedings of the Seminar.
13th MSOP
On 10.9.2012 the 13th MSOP was inaugurated at ICSI - SIRC House, Chennai by N R Venkatesan, Director, Regional Controller, Asia, Vishay Precision Group, Chennai. Sarah Arokiaswamy, Joint Director, ICSI-SIRO in her welcome address explained the guidelines of the programme. She requested the participants to interact with the faculty members, who have rich experience in their chosen areas. CS Dr. Ravi B, in his address urged the participants to come prepared for the sessions with the points to be discussed and clarified with the faculties. He further advised the participants to develop the communication skills and reading. In his inaugural address N R Venkatesan explained the vision and mission of the ICSI to the participants. He further went on to advise the
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On 20.9.2012 at the valedictory function CS Gopalakrishna Hegde, Central Council Member, The ICSI was the Chief Guest. Suhas Vaman Dixit and Alpa Nayan Shah Participants, shared their feedback about the MSOP Programme. The Chief Guest in his address to the participants emphasized that strong formulation of ideas, focus and ability to communicate effectively leads to emerging entrepreneurs and corporate leaders. He then brought up the importance of networking and apprised on having the responsibility of paying back to the next generations of CS to come. Above all this he motivated the participants to keep smiling and count their smile often so as to measure one's successfulness. He then distributed the Best Participant award to Ananda Krishna Deshkulkarni and the prizes for the Best Project to the team comprising Deep Jyoti, Suhas Vaman Dixit and Manjusha C.R for their Project on "Raising Finance through Euro Issue".
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P. Umesh, Senior Vice President - South, Raheja QBE General Insurance Company Ltd. Chief Guest inaugurated the programme. He in his address emphasized the importance of maintaining "Confidential Information" by explaining the damage to society due to the lack of good corporate governance. He explained the concept of global village and that every company irrespective of size is now inter-related with global economy. He further recollected the case of cement cartels, Sahara Group fallout etc. in order to highlight the situation that prevails due to the non compliance of good corporate governance. Thereafter he lectured on the importance of Mergers & Acquisitions and the importance of Due Diligence in nexus with the above mentioned. He also touched on the "Class Action Suits" and other salient features of the Companies Bill 2011. Thereafter he explained the social aspect of corruption and its effects on the society. He further explained the reasons behind the Euro Zone crises along with the elaboration on the concepts of Corporate Manslaughter etc. He concluded by once again emphasizing the importance of promoting good corporate governance for better corporate health of the Country. On 27.9.2012 at the Valedictory Session CS Sujath Bin Ali, Chapter Chairman elaborated the Chief Guest about the MSOP session and the wide area of topics covered in the MSOP session. He instructed the candidates of MSOP about the Dos & Don'ts in the professional career. He highlighted on the importance of giving back to the society from which we all derive a lot. CS S.S. Marathi, Chairman - SIRC urged the participants of MSOP to involve more in the activities of the Institute and also to implement the things learnt in the MSOP sessions. He further urged the participants to propagate about the CS Institute at various levels of the society as it is the best way of rewarding the efforts of ICSI. He explained the need of contributing to the 'Benevolent Fund' of ICSI. He concluded by explaining the Chief Guest about the functioning & hierarchy of ICSI. CS C. Sudhir Babu, Council Member emphasized the importance of continuous learning of the professional and informed about the further specialized courses offered by the Institute for the qualified professionals. He spoke about the "Wealth Creation & Wealth Distribution" and its impact on the society. CS G. Jayaraman, Company Secretary, Mahindra Satyam, Guest of Honor stated that a Company Secretary can handle various roles depending upon the size of the organization & industry. He stated that a Company Secretary will have to play a multi-faceted role in the future in the area of Mergers & Acquisitions. He called the participants to up-hold the implementation of law in its letter & spirit. He reiterated the fact that a Company Secretary should be abreast with all the latest developments and he should not be confined only to drafting minutes. He stated that a Company Secretary is having many avenues to choose to make a career out of it. He mentioned that compliances are vital for a Company Secretary & he is the brand ambassador for the organization. The Company Secretary should always add value to the organization. He further shared his experiences with Satyam Inc. (Pre & Post debacle) in order to reflect the role of Company Secretary in the time of emergency. He concluded his address by emphasizing the need to have "ethics &
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the occasions distributed brochures and clarified the doubts of the students.
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Full Day Seminar on Revised Schedule VI & XBRL Concepts, Terminology & Practical Demonstration on Preparation of Instance Document
On 18.8.2012 the Regional Council organized a Full-day seminar on Revised Schedule VI & XBRL Concepts, Terminology & Practical Demonstration on Preparation of Instance Document. The Chief Guest was Vijay Sahni, FCS, Director, Webtel Electrosoft Pvt. Ltd. Ankit Varshney, Chartered Accountant was the speaker. Seventy-six delegates attended the seminar.
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On 15.9.2012 and 27.9.2012 the Ahmedabad Chapter of WIRC of the ICSI organized two Study Circle Meetings at the Chapter premises. Kruti Jadawala, A Corporate Trainer specialized in training the professionals in Soft Skills, Life Skills and Global English conducted a workshop on "Communication" wherein she laid emphasis on 'Perfect Communication' which is the most important requirement in today's scenario. To represent any profession one needs to excel in communication as our success depends entirely on your effective communication and other people judge us on our excellence in communication skills. Kalpeshkumar, Academic Associate in Business Policy Area, spoke on RTI (Right to Information). He briefed that the Right to Information Act, 2005 provides remedy to information needs of citizens of India, which is under the control of public authorities, it seeks to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority. An Act intended to empower ordinary citizens has become another income generating instrument for lawyers who are needed to bridge the gap between citizens and their quest for information. This seminar generated awareness among the participants on Introduction, History, Philosophy, Movement of RTI, Recent Scenario and Practical Aspects of RTI. Around 53 Members attended the lecture and were granted 1PCH.
INDORE CHAPTER Study Circle Meeting on Analysis of Forms 23AC and ACA under Revised Schedule VI
On 1.10.2012 the Chapter organized a Study Circle meeting of the members on the above topic at the Chapter premises. CS D. K. Jain, Discussion leader expressed his views on Analysis of form 23AC and ACA under revised schedule VI. Twenty-seven members
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attended the Study Circle Meeting. The members present discussed with faculty the recent updates.
Half Day Seminar on Cost Audit Report, Revised Schedule VI & XBRL Concepts
On 18.8.2012 the Chapter organised a half-day Seminar on Cost Audit Report, Revised Schedule VI & XBRL Concepts at Ravindra Natya Grah, Indore. The Seminar was inaugurated in presence of Chief Guest Honorable Minister Mahendra Hardia. The faculty members included R. Vikram Gupte, Mihir Turakhia, CS Ritesh Gupta, Chapter Chairman, CS Ashish Karodia, Chapter Secretary, CS Dinesh Gupta, Chapter Vice Chairman, CS Kamlesh Joshi, TEFC Chairman & Ex-Chairman, Indore Chapter, CS D K Sharma, Treasurer, Indore Chapter of ICSI, CS L N Joshi, Managing Committee Member of ICSI Indore Chapter. A good number of Members & Students of ICSI were present. In the First Technical Session Vikram Gupte discussed "Amendment of Schedule VI". He dealt with the Background, Applicability, Non Applicability, Balance sheet Format, Structure of Revised Schedule VI, General Instructions for preparation of Balance sheet & Statement of Profit & Loss, Additional Disclosures etc. In the Second Technical Session Mihir Turakhia discussed background of new Regime of Cost Audit, Objective of Central Government, Industry Benefits, List of Notifications, Applicability of Companies Rules, 2011, Report Format of Compliance, Summery of Cost Audit Orders. In the Annual Cultural Event a Go Green show was also presented by the Managing Committee & Staff Members on Stage with massage of save plants.
PUNE CHAPTER Full-day Seminar on Supreme Court Judgement in Sahara Estate Corp Ltd. & Latest Amendments to Schedule XII
On 27.9.2012 the Pune Chapter organized a full day Seminar on the above topic at Pune. More than 90 delegates were present at the seminar. Dr K R Chandratre, Past President, the ICSI was the eminent faculty for the seminar. The Programme received overwhelming response from the Members and other participants. The sessions were very informative and well appreciated by the gathering. Four PCH were allotted to members who attended the seminar.
11th MSOP
From 11.9.2012 to 27.9.2012 the Pune Chapter organized 11th Management Skills Orientation Programme for CS Students who cleared their Final/Professional stage of CS. Total 37 Students attended the MSOP batch. Certificates were distributed to the participants on the last day of the programme.
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ICSI - CCGRT
regulatory framework. She discussed the important concepts in transfer pricing and the evolution of transfer pricing. She made the participants understand the concepts by giving case studies/practical problems and helping them solve the same. The session was very interactive. Jinesh Bhadev deliberated on the transfer pricing methods. He explained the different methods of computing arm's length price viz. profit based methods and traditional methods by giving a comparative analysis of the same and discussed the basis of computing the arm's length price. He said that profit based methods are applicable when each of the party makes unique and valuable contribution in relation to the controlled transaction or when the transactions are highly interlinked. He then explained the criteria for ascertaining most appropriate method. The most appropriate method is the one under which the facts and circumstances of the transaction under review provides the most reliable measure of an arm's length result. The crux of determining the most appropriate method is dependent on the nature of the transaction. He then quoted some of the case laws relating to selection of most appropriate method viz. DCIT v. M/s Starlite (2010-TII-28-ITAT-MUM-TP) and Nimbus Communications Ltd v. ACIT (2010-TII-21-ITAT-MUM-TP). Vishwanath Kane spoke on Domestic Transfer Pricing Rules. He said that the Finance Act, 2012 has enlarged the scope of transfer pricing in domestic transactions. Domestic transfer pricing is to be applied to the transactions if its aggregate value exceeds 5 crores. The most important intent of law in specifying the domestic transfer pricing was to do away with the tax arbitrage abuse that stems from differential tax rate, tax holidays/benefits availed by undertakings and presence of accumulated losses. Domestic transfer pricing is inculcated for the entities that transfer their profits to loss making entities or entities that are under tax holidays to save tax liability. In conclusion, he gave examples to explain the various implications of transfer pricing. The queries of the participants were well addressed by the speakers.
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JANUARY 2012
QUERY
Ram applied to a Housing Development Authority of a State for allotment of a flat. He was successful in the draw and even though he made the payment he could not get the flat because of a mistake committed by the bank through which he made the deposit for allotment. The State Housing Development Authority neither allotted a flat nor refunded the amount for a number of years after the completion of the draw for allotment. Under the circumstances can Ram successfully claim the refund of the money paid by him and compensation for the delay in the refund?
WINNERS
First Prize
Ms. Shweta Gupta, ACS A-102, Moonlight Shopping Centre Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri (East) Mumbai 400 069.
Second Prize
Shri V. Ramachandran Pillai, ACS U-306, Srinandnagar - III Vejalpur, Ahmedabad 380051.
Second Prize
The present query can be answered in the light of the decision in the intra-court appeal filed by the legal heirs of Narain Das Arora (since deceased) against the decision of the Single Judge in the High Court of Delhi in Narain Das Arora v. DDA & Ors.[DEL) LPA.No. 169/2010 reported in CS Journal vide LW 17.02.2011 [Decided on 18/01/2011]. The case shows that inaction by a statutory authority, specifically in a case of the nature as covered in the said case is inconceivable, and therefore such inaction can be called into question under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
ANSWERS
First Prize
Ram shall be entitled to refund of money from the Housing Development Authority and compensation for delay caused in refunding the money without any mistake on his part.
Case Law: The query resembles the facts of Narain Das Arora v.
DDA & Ors. decided on 18/01/2011. In the case the original writ petitioner-Narain Das Arora (since deceased) pursuant to an
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Facts of the case: Narain Das Arora (since deceased) pursuant to an advertisement issued by the respondent DDA dated 6th June, 2004 published in "Hindustan Times", Delhi, applied for allotment of a two bed room flat under the Housing Scheme-2004 vide application form No. 096652 on 30th June, 2004 and on 3rd July, 2004, he deposited the application form No. 096652 along with the bank draft
FEBRUARY 2012
QUERY
A Financial institution made a loan to a company on the basis of a subscription agreement. The said agreement provided for the allotment of Non-convertible debentures by the company to the financial institution.The company neither allotted the Nonconvertible debentures nor created any security for the repayment of the loan, in favour of the financial institution. The company went into winding up. The Financial institution approached the DRT and obtained a decree for the repayment of the amount and claimed before the official liquidator that it is a secured creditor. Is the claim of the Financial Institution correct in law?
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Second Prize
Ms. Amita Verma, ACS Practising Company Secretary 1040, Sector 3 HUDA Colony, Faridabad.
ANSWERS
First Prize
If the charges are not filed within the time limit prescribed under section 125 of the Companies Act,1956 (the Act), petition may be filed before the Company Law Board (CLB) under section 141 of the Act for condonation of delay in filing the charges and for rectification of register of charges. However, as held in Resinoid & Mica Products Ltd.'s case, (1982) 3 ALL ER 677, time should not be extended for registering a charge after the company had gone into liquidation, because such a step would prejudicially affect the rights of all parties which are determined on commencement of winding up. From the case law Industrial Credit & Investment Corporation of India Ltd. v. Official Liquidator, Usha Automobil Engineering Co. Ltd. (in Liquidation) (2000) 100 Comp Cas 150, it is seen that mere acceptance by a company of the terms and conditions of a loan agreement, does not amount to 'charge' and thus such a lender cannot be a secured creditor. But, in terms of section 125(2) of the Act, such lender can receive repayment of the money as an unsecured creditor.
Decision & reasons: The Delhi High Court placed reliance of the judgements of the Supreme Court in Textile Labour Association & Anr. v. Official Liquidator and Anr. (2004) 9 SCC 741 and UCO Bank case [(1994) 5 SCC 1 and held as follows. No charge was ever created in favour of the appellant by the company in liquidation and no charge was registered with the Registrar of Companies under Section 125 of the Companies Act, 1956. Mere money decree passed by a Court of law does not entitle an unsecured creditor to be treated as a secured creditor. To claim the status of a secured creditor, either the charge is to be created by the parties or the charge has to be created by operation of law or by decree of the Court. In the present case neither a charge was created by the company in liquidation nor by operation of any law or by the decree of the DRT. The DRT did not declare petitioner to be a secured creditor. Merely because the appellant is in possession of a decree for 'recovery of due amount', it does not mean that appellant becomes a secured creditor. In fact, every decree holder is entitled to seek sale of assets of the defendant, in the event the decree is not satisfied. But, if such decree is accepted as a security, then every sundry/unsecured creditor after obtaining a decree from the Civil Court would have to be treated as a secured creditor - which is untenable in law. Conclusion: From the above, it can be concluded that the claim of the Financial Institution in the query, is not correct in law. Second Prize
Section 125 of the Companies Act, 1956 defines, (1) Subject to the provisions of this Part, every charge created on or after the 1st day of April, 1914, by a company and being a charge to which this section applies shall, so far as any security on the company's property or undertaking is conferred thereby, be void against the liquidator and any creditor of the company, unless the prescribed particulars of the charge, together with the instrument, if any, by which the charge is created or evidenced, or a copy thereof verified in the prescribed manner, are filed with the registrar for registration in the manner required by this Act within 30 days after the date of its creation: Provided that the Registrar may allow the particulars and instrument or copy as aforesaid to be filed within thirty days next following the expiry of the said period of thirty days on payment of such additional fee not exceeding ten times the amount of fee specified in Schedule X as the Registrar may determine, if the company satisfies the Registrar that it had sufficient cause for not filing the particulars, and
The case law: In the above background, a case having the facts similar to the given query came up for consideration in Appeal No. CO. A. (SB) 47/2006 before the Delhi High Court in Industrial Development Bank of India v. Thapar Agro Mills Ltd.(in liquidation) decided on 17/03/2011 and reported in Chartered Secretary - April 2011 issue vide LW 039.04.2011. Facts: The appellant had advanced loan of Rs.200 lacs to the
company vide Subscription Agreement dated 04/08/1992. As per the said agreement, the company was to allot Non-Convertible Debentures (in short "NCDs") after complying with the SEBI Guidelines and other pre-requisites like appointment of trustees, creation of security etc. However, despite various reminders company neither issued NCDs to the appellant nor paid interest or other charges in accordance with the agreement. The company also failed to create security as required. Consequently, the appellant November 2012
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MAY 2012
QUERY
A registered partnership consisting of five partners issued a cheque to Mr. Rahim which was dishonoured. Consequently Mr. Rahim complained against the firm and three of its partners including the partner who signed the cheque on behalf of the partnership. Later on Mr.Rahim in respect of the complaint already lodged by him desired to add two of the remaining partners under section 319 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. Can Mr. Rahim do so?
WINNER
First Prize
K. Appa Rao, ACS 9, II Floor Above Central Bank of India J.K. Centre, Seethamma Peta Main Road Visakhapatnam 530016
Second Prize
None eligible
ANSWER
First Prize
Section 319(1) of the Cr.P.C. provides that where, in the course of any inquiry into, or trial of, an offence, it appears from the evidence that any person not being the accused has committed any offence for which such person could be tried together with the accused the Court may proceed against such person for the offence which he appears to have committed. The law in case of offence by companies is such that if the person committing an offence under section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act (for short, Nl Act) is a company, every person who, at the time the offence was committed, was in charge of and was responsible to, the company for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. (Note: Company means any corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals. And, Director in relation of firm means a partner in the firm.) As such, every partner of a firm is not automatically vicariously liable for the offence committed by the firm, only such partners who were in charge of and responsible to the firm for the conduct of the business of the firm at the material time shall be deemed to be guilty. There must be a specific averment in the complaint that at the time the offence was
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JUNE 2012
QUERY
Immovable property belonging to a private limited company was sold by it through the medium of execution of a general power of attorney in favour of the purchaser thereof. Is the sale valid?
Relevant case: The factum probans and causa of the given query are identical to the case Sarojben Ashwinkumar Shah and Ors. v. State of Gujarat & Anr. ILC-2011-SC-CRL-Aug. (refer LW 98.09.2011 in Chartered Secretary - Sept 11). In this case M/s. Rashmi Builders (for short, A-1) is a registered partnership firm. Ashwinkumar Tribhovandas Shah (for short, A-2) and Chandravadan Gopaldas Thakkar (for short A-3) are some of its partners. In discharge of its liability in respect of certain borrowing from the complainant, A-1 through its A- 2 issued a cheque for Rs.5 lakhs. The complainant presented the said cheque with his Banker, but, the same was dishonoured with the remark "account closed". The complainant filed a complaint alleging that the accused committed offence under Section138 of the N.I. Act. The Judicial Magistrate of First Class (for short, JMFC) took cognizance of the complaint against the three accused, i.e. A-1, A-2 and A-3. Later, the complainant averred that A-2 and A-3 submitted copy of the registration of the A-1 wherein the proposed A-4 and A-5 are shown as the partners of the firm and made an application under Section 319 of the Cr.P.C for adding other two partners as A-4 and A-5 respectively. The JMFC directed for adding A-4 and A-5. The Gujarat High Court refused to interfere with the orders of the JMFC. Then, allowing the appeal, referring to its decisions in Joginder Singh & Anr. v. State of Punjab & Anr. (1979) 1 SCC 345, Municipal Corporation of Delhi v. Ram Kishan Rohtagi & Others, (1983) 1 SCC 1, Michael Machado & Anr. v. Central Bureau of Investigation & Anr. (2000) 3 SCC 262 and Shashikant Singh v. Tarkeshwar Singh & Anr. (2002) 5 SCC 738, the Supreme Court laid down certain principles as to the procedure to be followed while applying Section 319 of the Cr.P.C, and held that filing of copy of registration of the firm by Accused Nos. 2 and 3 would not be covered by expressions 'in the course of any inquiry into or trial of, an offence' occurring in Section 319 of the Cr.P.C and such document could not be treated as an evidence to show that the appellant (newly added accused) has committed an offence of cheating under Section 420 of IPC. As regards the criminal liability of a partner in the firm, in the light of the provisions contained in Section 141 of the N.I. Act, there has to be evidence that at the time the offence was committed, the partner was in-charge of and was responsible to the firm for the conduct of the business of the firm. Thus the Apex Court set aside the orders of the JMFC and of the High Court. Conclusion: Applying the ratio of the above legal position to the facts of the given query, it can be concluded that Mr.Rahim in respect of the complaint already lodged by him, cannot add the remaining partners of the firm under section 319 of the Cr.P.C. Second Prize:
None Eligible.
WINNERS
First Prize
Shri V. Ramachandran Pillai, ACS U-306, Srinandnagar - III Vejalpur, Ahmedabad 380051.
Second Prize
Ms. Sonam Sharma, ACS Sainik Vihar Near Rani Bagh Delhi 110034.
ANSWERS
First Prize
In the modern world where commerce and industry have large and long roles to play, the need for entering into contracts of agreements in relation to business and other transactions have become a common and necessary feature of daily life. According to 'Section: 1A' of "Power of Attorney Act, 1882", Power Of Attorney' includes any instruments empowering a specified person to act for and in the name of the person executing it". In State of Rajasthan v. Basant Nehata 2005 (12) SCC 77, the Supreme Court held: "A grant of power of attorney is essentially governed by Chapter X of the Contract Act. By reason a deed of power of attorney, an agent is formally appointed to act for the principal in one transaction or a series of transactions or to manage the affairs of principal generally conferring necessary authority upon another person. A deed of power of attorney is executed by the principal in favour of the agent." The agent derives a right to use his name and all acts, deeds and things done by him and subject to the limitations contained in the said deed, the same shall be read as if done by the donor. A power of attorney is, as is well known, a document of convenience. An attorney holder may however execute a deed of conveyance in exercise of the power granted under the power of attorney and convey title on behalf of the grantor. In Suraj Lamp & Industries Pvt Ltd v. State of Haryana & Anr [SC] SLP (C) No. 13917 of 2009 [Decided on 11/10/2011] where the issue involved before the SC was whether sale of immovable property under a general power of attorney (power of attorney sale) is valid and transfers title to attorney holder? The facts of the case are - the petitioner, a public limited company based in Haryana, had bought land through a power of attorney. The owner subsequently tried to transfer the same property by another power of attorney
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Second Prize
"Sales" under Section 54 of the TP Act is: "Transfer of ownership in exchange for a price paid or promised or part paid and partpromised." As per the provisions of Section 17 of the Registration Act, 1908, any document, other than the testamentary instrument, which purports or operates to create, declare, assign, limit or extinguish whether in present or future "any right, title, or interest" whether vested or contingent of a value of Rs. 100 and upwards to or in immoveable Property, requires to be registered under the provisions of law. General Power of Attorney (GPA): A general power of attorney authorizes the appointee with several rights and very broad powers, to execute any legal act on behalf of the appointer. This type of a Power of Attorney provides a list of activities that the appointer wants the appointee to perform on his behalf. It is revocable at the behest of the appointer and "a Power of Attorney is not an instrument of transfer in regard to any right, title or interest in an immoveable property".(Re: Suraj Lamp Industries Case). As per the decision of Supreme Court in Suraj Lamp Industries Pvt. Ltd v. State of Haryana and Anr. (2011), "Immoveable property can be lawfully transferred/conveyed only by a registered deed and the courts will not treat any sale executed by GPA as they do not convey title and not amount to transfer.
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After-Noon Session
(2.00 P.M. to 4.00 P.M.)
26/12/2012 Wednesday 27/12/2012 Thursday 28/12/2012 Friday 29/12/2012 Saturday 30/12/2012 Sunday 31/12/2012 Monday 1/1/2013 Tuesday 2/1/2013 Wednesday
Company Secretarial Practice ( MODULE-I ) Drafting, Appearances and Pleadings ( MODULE-I ) Financial, Treasury and Forex Management ( MODULE-II ) Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency ( MODULE-II )
General and Commercial Laws ( MODULE-I ) Company Accounts, Cost and Management Accounting ( MODULE-I ) Tax Laws ( MODULE-I ) Company Law ( MODULE-II )
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Strategic Management, Economic and Labour Laws Alliances and International Trade ( MODULE-II ) ( MODULE-III ) Advanced Tax Laws and Practice ( MODULE-III ) Due Diligence and Corporate Compliance Management ( MODULE-IV ) Governance, Business Ethics and Sustainability ( MODULE-IV ) Securities Laws and Compliances ( MODULE-II )
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Our Members
CONGRATULATIONS
Shri Amit Kr. Sen, FCS
Director, East India Pharmaceutical Works Ltd. on his election as President of the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry for the year 2012-2013.
CS
A
UIZ
Prize query
listed investment company A sold considerable part of its investment in another company B to a company C in which two of its directors are directors. The purpose of this disinvestment is to acquire controlling interest in company D abroad in respect of which investment notice has been given to the stock exchange by company A. Does this investment also call for a notice by company A to the stock exchange under insider trading regulations?
Conditions
1 ] Answers should not exceed one typed page in double space. 2 ] Last date for receipt of answer is 8th December, 2012. 3 ] Two best answers will be awarded Rs. 1000 each in cash and the names of the contributors will be published in the journal. 4 ] The envelope should be superscribed 'Prize Query November, 2012 Issue' and addressed by name to : N. K. Jain, Editor The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, 'ICSI House', 22, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi-110003.
READERS' WRITE
The erstwhile POINTS OF VIEW column of Chartered Secretary has been re-captioned as READERS' WRITE. Members are invited to send in their queries and views for consideration for publication in this column for soliciting views/comments from other members of the Institute.
SPECIAL ISSUE OF
CHARTERED SECRETARY
It is proposed to bring out December 2012 issue of Chartered Secretary as a special issue on Corporate Restructuring and Insolvency. Members and others having expertise on the aforesaid subject are welcome to contribute articles for consideration by the Editorial Advisory Board for publication in the said special issue. The articles may kindly be forwarded to: The Deputy Director (Publications), The ICSI, 22, Institutional Area, Lodi Road, New Delhi 110003. E-Mail: ak.sil@icsi.edu copy to <ks. gopalakrishnan@icsi.edu>.
OBITUARY
Chartered Secretary deeply regrets to record the sad demise of Shri Pritesh R. Shah, ACS (13.11.1971-07.10.2012) an Associate Member of the Institute from Mumbai. May the almighty give sufficient fortitude to the bereaved family members to withstand the irreparable loss. May the Departed Soul rest in peace. November 2012
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